自A自B for “By Oneself, For Oneself”
Learn 自A自B idioms such as 自言自语, 自给自足 and 自由自在, where both actions are done by yourself, to yourself or for yourself.
Pattern
自 + A + 自 + B
自 means “oneself”; in 自A自B both halves say the person does A and B on their own, to or for themselves.
奶奶一边做饭，一边自言自语。
When to use 自A自B for “By Oneself, For Oneself”
自 is a written-style word for “oneself.” Repeat it before two related words, and you get a four-character idiom where the same person does both things, by or for themselves: 自言自语 is “speak to oneself, talk to oneself.”
老师提了一个问题，没人回答，他就自问自答起来。
The teacher asked a question, and when nobody answered, he answered it himself.
他们家在乡下种菜养鸡，吃的东西基本上能自给自足。
Their family grows vegetables and keeps chickens in the countryside, so they can mostly feed themselves.
放假了，不用早起，我每天过得自由自在。
The holidays are here and I don’t have to get up early, so I’m living free and easy.
我一个人在家弹弹琴、唱唱歌，自娱自乐。
Home alone, I play a bit of piano and sing a few songs to keep myself entertained.
Common traps
- Outside fixed words, use 自己: 我自己做, not 我自做.
- 自言自语 means talking to yourself, not talking about yourself.
- 自高自大 and 自作自受 are criticism; don’t use them as praise.
Targeted drill
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