亲自

qīn zì

HSK 2.0 Level 5 HSK 3.0 Level 5 Adverb Common

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Definitions

1. personally
2. in person
3. oneself

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Word relationships

Related words

1 item

• 自己 zì jǐ 自己 zì jǐ oneself 代词，可指本人，但不可单独做状语修饰动词，如不能说“*自己去”。: oneself

Synonyms

1 item

• 亲身 qīn shēn 亲身 qīn shēn personal 表示自己直接去做，强调亲身体验。: personal

Usage notes

Collocations

Often paired with verbs like 出马 (come forward), 动手 (do oneself), or 出庭 (appear in court), emphasizing personal involvement.

Formality

Frequently used in formal contexts; in casual speech, 自己 (with rephrasing) or 自己一个人 is more common.

Grammar

Guides that feature 亲自

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1 guide

HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 6+ 8 min

Necessity with 非...不可

Use 非...不可 for strong necessity in advanced spoken and written Chinese.

Reading: qīn zì Open guide

Example Sentences

1 shown

校长 亲自 来参加活动。

The principal personally came to attend the event.

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Words Containing 亲自

• 亲自动手 亲自动手 qīn zì dòng shǒu: to do the job oneself

Child Words of 亲自

• 自 自 zì: self
• 亲 亲 qīn: parent
• 亲 亲 qìng: parents-in-law of one's offspring