Meaning
自然 primarily means 'nature' (the natural world) or 'natural' (not artificial). It also functions as an adverb meaning 'naturally' or 'of course' when something happens as expected. The word combines 自 (self) and 然 (so/thus), literally meaning 'self-so' or 'being so of itself'.
Usage
As a noun, 自然 refers to the natural world and environment. As an adjective, it describes things that are natural, unforced, or spontaneous. As an adverb, it indicates something occurring as a matter of course or inevitability. Common in both spoken and written Chinese across registers.
Examples
- 01我们应该保护自然环境。.We should protect the natural environment.
- 02如果你努力学习，自然会取得好成绩。, .If you study hard, naturally you will achieve good results.
Characters
Common collocations
- 自然环境natural environment
- 自然科学natural sciences
- 自然灾害natural disaster
- 保护自然to protect nature
Antonyms
Origin
The combination of 自 (self) and 然 (so/thus) creates the philosophical concept of 'being so of itself' or 'self-so-ness', a key term in Daoist philosophy referring to things existing and operating according to their own nature.