Meaning
自动 describes something that operates by itself without manual control, or an action done voluntarily without external prompting. It combines 自 (self) and 动 (move/motion) to convey the idea of self-initiated movement or action. The word applies both to mechanical/technological automation and to voluntary human actions.
Usage
Commonly used to describe automatic machinery, devices, and processes (自动门, 自动售货机). When describing human actions, it emphasizes voluntariness or spontaneity. In technology contexts, it's often paired with 化 to form 自动化 (automation). Native speakers use it as both an adjective modifying nouns and as an adverb before verbs.
Examples
- 01这个门是自动的，靠近就会打开。, .This door is automatic; it will open when you approach.
- 02他自动承认了错误。.He voluntarily admitted his mistake.
Characters
Common collocations
- 自动门automatic door
- 自动挡automatic transmission
- 自动售货机vending machine
- 自动化automation
Antonyms
Origin
Formed from classical Chinese elements: 自 (self) + 动 (movement). The compound emerged in modern Chinese to translate Western concepts of automatic machinery and self-operating systems.