Meanings of 自动
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Podcast: 自动
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AI Study Notes for 自动
自动 (zìdòng) vs 自发 (zìfā): choose 自动 when referring to machines or processes that operate without human intervention, while 自发 emphasizes voluntary or spontaneous actions by individuals.
Be cautious not to confuse 自动 with related terms that imply manual action. It is usually used in both formal and informal contexts, but collocations like 自动化 (automation) are more common in technical discussions. Remember that the tone is crucial; the first tone of '自' and the fourth tone of '动' must be correctly pronounced.
As an HSK Level 5 word, 自动 connects to other words related to action and machinery, like 操作 (cāo zuò - to operate) and 机器 (jī qì - machine). Focus on recognizing its use in sentences and practice forming phrases with it.
Learners often misuse 自动 by saying '我自动去商店' (wǒ zì dòng qù shāng diàn - I automatically go to the store) when they mean 'I voluntarily go to the store.' The correct phrase would be '我自愿去商店' (wǒ zì yuàn qù shāng diàn).
Pronunciation of 自动
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Jason Explains 自动 to You
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Component Characters
How to say automatic in Chinese
“automatic” in Chinese is自动
自动 (zì dòng) refers to something that operates automatically or independently, without human intervention. It is commonly used in contexts like machinery, processes, or actions that are performed willingly or voluntarily by someone.
When to use 自动
Be cautious not to confuse 自动 with related terms that imply manual action. It is usually used in both formal and informal contexts, but collocations like 自动化 (automation) are more common in technical discussions. Remember that the tone is crucial; the first tone of '自' and the fourth tone of '动' must be correctly pronounced.
自动 or something close to it
自动 (zìdòng) vs 自发 (zìfā): choose 自动 when referring to machines or processes that operate without human intervention, while 自发 emphasizes voluntary or spontaneous actions by individuals.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 自动 by saying '我自动去商店' (wǒ zì dòng qù shāng diàn - I automatically go to the store) when they mean 'I voluntarily go to the store.' The correct phrase would be '我自愿去商店' (wǒ zì yuàn qù shāng diàn).
Write 自动
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Practice writing 自动 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 自动
自动 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
____曝光按钮安装在镜头脱卸按钮下面，十分不便。
The autoexposure button is awkwardly placed under the lens release button.
Example Sentences for 自动 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 自动
In Western cultures, 'automatic' often implies a level of reliability and trust in technology, whereas in China, there may be more emphasis on the efficiency and economic benefits of automation.
Frequently Asked Questions about 自动
You can say '这个机器是自动的' (zhè ge jī qì shì zì dòng de) meaning 'This machine is automatic.'
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