Meaning
自尊 refers to a person's sense of their own worth and dignity. It encompasses both self-respect (how you value yourself) and the respect you maintain in the eyes of others. In Chinese culture, 自尊 is closely tied to concepts of face (面子) and personal dignity.
Usage
自尊 is commonly used in psychological, educational, and social contexts. Native speakers often discuss protecting or hurting someone's 自尊 (伤害自尊), and it's frequently paired with 自信 (self-confidence). The term carries weight in Chinese culture where maintaining dignity and face is important in social interactions.
Examples
- 01批评孩子的时候要注意保护他们的自尊。.When criticizing children, you should be careful to protect their self-esteem.
- 02他的话深深伤害了我的自尊心。.His words deeply hurt my self-esteem.
Characters
Common collocations
- 伤害自尊to hurt (someone's) self-esteem
- 维护自尊to protect one's self-esteem
- 自尊心sense of self-esteem, pride
- 树立自尊to build self-esteem
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 自 (self) with 尊 (respect/honor), literally meaning 'self-respect.' The character 尊 originally depicted hands holding a wine vessel in offering, symbolizing respect and reverence.