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The verb 自称 (zìchēng) for "claim to be"
Structure
Subject + 自称 + 是 + Identity/Role
Explanation
自称 (zìchēng) means "to claim to be" or "to call oneself," indicating that someone describes themselves in a certain way, often implying the claim may not be verified. It is used when reporting what someone says about their own identity, title, or status. The verb is followed by the claimed identity or description.
Examples
他自称是公司的总经理，但没人见过他。
Tā zìchēng shì gōngsī de zǒngjīnglǐ, dàn méi rén jiàn guò tā.
He claimed to be the general manager of the company, but no one had ever seen him.
那个男人自称认识很多名人。
Nà gè nánrén zìchēng rènshí hěn duō míngrén.
That man claimed to know many celebrities.
她自称专家，其实并没有相关的资格证书。
Tā zìchēng zhuānjiā, qíshí bìng méiyǒu xiāngguān de zīgé zhèngshū.
She claimed to be an expert, but actually had no relevant certifications.