When combined, 自然 (zìrán) literally means “self-so” or “to be so of itself.” This beautifully captures the core idea: something that exists or happens on its own, without external intervention or force. This is the essence of both the natural world and a natural, spontaneous action.
The concept of `自然` is deeply woven into the fabric of Chinese culture, largely through Taoism (道家, Dàojiā). In the West, the prevailing historical narrative often pits “Man vs. Nature,” where nature is a resource to be tamed, controlled, and exploited. `自然` presents a fundamentally different worldview. In Taoist philosophy, `自然` is the spontaneous and self-generating way of the Tao (道, Dào)—the fundamental, ineffable order of the universe. The ideal for humanity is not to conquer nature, but to align with it. This is achieved through 无为 (wúwéi), which translates to “effortless action” or “non-action.” It doesn't mean being lazy; it means acting in a way that is so in tune with the natural flow of things that your actions are as spontaneous and effective as nature itself. This value extends beyond philosophy into everyday aesthetics and ethics. A “natural” (自然) compliment, a “natural” smile, or a “natural” brushstroke in calligraphy are all highly valued because they are seen as authentic and unforced. The ultimate goal is to live in harmony with the world, others, and oneself, embodying the simple, powerful principle of `自然`.
`自然` is an incredibly versatile word you'll hear daily.
Used to talk about the physical world, the environment, or the outdoors. It's often paired with `大 (dà)` to mean “the great outdoors.”
It describes something as not artificial, or a person's behavior as unforced and genuine.
This is a very common conversational use. It signifies that something is an obvious or logical consequence of a situation. It means “it goes without saying” or “as one would expect.”