Chinese word

自在

Pronunciation

Pinyinzì zài

Meaning

  • adjectiveat ease

Example

和朋友聊天时我很自在。hé péng yǒu liáo tiān shí wǒ hěn zì zài

I feel at ease when chatting with friends.

Illustration for 自在 (at ease)

More examples

面试时她看起来不太自在。miàn shì shí tā kàn qǐ lái bú tài zì zài

She did not seem very at ease during the interview.

Core concept

A calm sense of freedom in which a person can act naturally without pressure or restraint.

Common phrases

  • 跟朋友在一起很自在gēn péng yǒu zài yì qǐ hěn zì zài

    be at ease with friends

  • 独处也很自在dú chǔ yě hěn zì zài

    be at ease when alone too

Similar words

自然zì rán: Showing one's true manner without affectation or awkwardness.
随意suí yì: Free to decide and act as one wishes rather than follow outside demands.

Definition in Chinese

不受外界干扰或约束，行为和心态自由安定，给人从容不迫的感觉。bú shòu wài jiè gān rǎo huò yuē shù xíng wéi hé xīn tài zì yóu ān dìng gěi rén cóng róng bú pò de gǎn jué

Word origin

自在 (zìzài, "at ease") is formed from 自 (zì, "self") + 在 (zài, "be present"), suggesting a person remaining in their own state rather than being pushed by outside forces.

Usage tips

  • English comfortable often points to physical conditions, but this word commonly describes a relaxed social manner, so physical comfort need not be involved.

Other meanings

  • carefreeadjective
  • comfortableadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word