noun HSK 5
zhǔ xìng
autonomy · independence · self-determination · initiative

Meaning

自主性 refers to the quality or ability of being autonomous, self-directed, or independent. It describes the capacity to make one's own decisions, act on one's own initiative, and take responsibility without external control. This term is commonly used in educational, psychological, and organizational contexts to discuss self-governance and independence.

Usage

This is a somewhat formal, abstract noun frequently used in academic, educational, and professional discussions. Native speakers use it when talking about personal development, learning styles, workplace culture, or children's development. It often appears in phrases like '培养自主性' (cultivate autonomy) or '提高自主性' (enhance independence).

Examples

  1. 01
    现代教育强调培养学生的自主性和创造力。
    Xiàndài jiàoyù qiángdiào péiyǎng xuésheng de zhǔ xìng chuàngzàolì.
    Modern education emphasizes cultivating students' autonomy and creativity.
  2. 02
    员工的自主性对提高工作效率很重要。
    Yuángōng de zhǔ xìng duì tígāo gōngzuò xiàolǜ hěn zhòngyào.
    Employee autonomy is important for improving work efficiency.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 培养自主性
    péi yǎng zhǔ xìng
    to cultivate autonomy
  • 提高自主性
    gāo zhǔ xìng
    to enhance independence
  • 缺乏自主性
    quē zhǔ xìng
    to lack autonomy
  • 学习自主性
    xué zhǔ xìng
    learning autonomy

Antonyms

Origin

The word combines 自主 (autonomous, self-directed) with the suffix 性, which nominalizes adjectives to indicate a quality or characteristic, similar to English '-ness' or '-ity'.

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