Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
自称 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
自称zìchēngto call oneselfHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #6250, Very Hard
自称zìchēngto claim to beHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #6250, Very Hard
自称zìchēngto professHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #6250, Very Hard
自称zìchēngto claim a titleHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #6250, Very Hard
zìchēng(zi4cheng1)zi cheng T4
  1. 1to call oneself
  2. 2to claim to be
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

自称(自稱)zìchēng(zi4cheng1)

自称 (zìchēng) means to refer to oneself in a particular way or to claim a title or identity. It is commonly used in contexts where individuals assert their status, roles, or qualities, often in a self-promotional manner. This term can carry both neutral and slightly boastful connotations depending on the context.

Strokes16Frequency#6250DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, self-identification can be significant, especially in professional contexts. For instance, individuals may use 自称 to assert their expertise or status in academic or business settings, reflecting the importance placed on credentials and titles.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person standing in front of a mirror (自 - self) proudly declaring their title (称 - to call). Visualize the reflection echoing their self-proclamation, reinforcing that they are calling themselves something important.

Meanings of 自称

zìchēng(zi4cheng1)
1to call oneself
2to claim to be
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 自称 means.

About 自称

自称Simplified
自稱Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 自称

JasonAmy

Podcast: 自称

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 自称

Quick Contrast

自称 (zìchēng) vs 自我称呼 (zìwǒ chēnghū) — use 自称 for self-identification in a broader sense, while 自我称呼 emphasizes the act of naming oneself specifically.

Usage Notes

Be cautious about the context in which you use 自称; it can sound arrogant if used improperly. It is often used in both formal and informal settings, but is more common in discussions about professions or identities. Watch out for the tone; the second character (称) should be pronounced with a high, level tone.

HSK Study Tips

Although 自称 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 4 words about identity and self-description. Focus on recognizing its components and using it appropriately in conversations about personal titles or claims.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 自称 with 自我, which means 'self'. For example, saying '我自我医生' (I self doctor) is incorrect; the right phrase would be '我自称医生' (I claim to be a doctor).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 自称

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 自称 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Jason Explains 自称 to You

Let me explain 自称 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 自称 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

How Well Do You Know 自称?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 自称 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component Characters

自zìfrom
HSK 46 strokes自
View full entry
称chènto fit
HSK 510 strokes禾
View full entry

How to say to call oneself in Chinese

“to call oneself” in Chinese is自称zìchēng

自称 (zìchēng) means to refer to oneself in a particular way or to claim a title or identity. It is commonly used in contexts where individuals assert their status, roles, or qualities, often in a self-promotional manner. This term can carry both neutral and slightly boastful connotations depending on the context.

When to use 自称

Be cautious about the context in which you use 自称; it can sound arrogant if used improperly. It is often used in both formal and informal settings, but is more common in discussions about professions or identities. Watch out for the tone; the second character (称) should be pronounced with a high, level tone.

自称 or something close to it

自称 (zìchēng) vs 自我称呼 (zìwǒ chēnghū) — use 自称 for self-identification in a broader sense, while 自我称呼 emphasizes the act of naming oneself specifically.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 自称 with 自我, which means 'self'. For example, saying '我自我医生' (I self doctor) is incorrect; the right phrase would be '我自称医生' (I claim to be a doctor).

Write 自称

自
称

Practice writing 自称 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 自称?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.

Frequently Asked Questions about 自称

Yes, but ensure that it aligns with the tone of your message and is appropriate for the context.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 自称?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab