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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing a reflexive pronoun with 自己 (zìjǐ)

    Emphasis
    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    Subject + Verb + 自己

    Explanation

    自己 (zìjǐ) can function as a reflexive pronoun, similar to English "himself," "herself," or "oneself." When used this way, it emphasizes that the subject is also the object or beneficiary of the action, reinforcing that no other person is involved.

    Examples

    • 这道菜是他自己做的。

      zhè dào cài shì tā zìjǐ zuò de.

      This dish was made by him himself.

    • 她自己去医院检查了一下。

      tā zìjǐ qù yīyuàn jiǎnchá le yíxià.

      She went to the hospital herself to get a checkup.

    • 我们自己动手装修了新房子。

      wǒmen zìjǐ dòngshǒu zhuāngxiū le xīn fángzi.

      We renovated the new house by ourselves.

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    Expressing a reflexive pronoun with 自己 (zìjǐ) | Chinese Grammar