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HSK 7-9
zì自selfyǐ以takewéi为asshì是right
To consider oneself always in the right; be opinionated.

Literal meaning

self (自) — take (以) — as (为) — right (是)

Origin

A classical four-character phrase describing arrogance and a lack of humility.

Examples

Tā他zǒng总shì是zì自yǐ以wéi为shì是,tīng听bù不jìn进bié别ren人de的yì意jiàn见。
He always thinks he is right and doesn't listen to other people's opinions.
Bù不yào要zì自yǐ以wéi为shì是,yào要xū虚xīn心xué学xí习。
Don't be opinionated; learn with an open mind.

Usage & nuances

Carries a negative connotation of arrogance and closed-mindedness.

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