自作自受
zì zuò zì shòu
Consequences of one's actions
People face the consequences of their own actions, whether good or bad. It emphasizes personal responsibility for one's fate, often implying a negative outcome.
What does 自作自受 (zì zuò zì shòu) mean?
自作自受 (zì zuò zì shòu) means "consequences of one's actions" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "oneself makes, oneself receives."
Character by character
- 自 zì self, oneself
- 作 zuò to make, to do
- 自 zì self, oneself
- 受 shòu to receive, to suffer
When to use it
Typically used when someone experiences misfortune or negative results directly caused by their own previous behavior or choices. It carries a tone of "they deserve it" or "it's their own fault."
Example
他今天落到这样的下场，完全是自作自受。
Tā jīntiān luòdào zhèyàng de xiàchǎng, wánquán shì zì zuò zì shòu.
The predicament he's in today is entirely his own doing.
Pro tip: The phrase implies that the consequences are a direct and unavoidable result of the person's actions, leaving no room for blaming others or external factors.
Related idioms
争先恐后 · Vying to be first自言自语 · Talking to oneself自作主张 · Unauthorized decision making
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