How do you pronounce 自怨自艾?

自怨自艾 is pronounced zì yuàn zì yì in Mandarin Chinese.

What does 自怨自艾 literally mean?

Literally, 自怨自艾 means “Self-pity and self-reproach”. It is used to mean “to indulge in self-pity and self-reproach”.

Where does 自怨自艾 come from?

自怨自艾 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.

What is the Chinese definition of 自怨自艾?

怨：怨恨，悔恨；艾：割草，比喻改正错误。原意是悔恨自己的错误，自己改正。现在只指悔恨自己的错误。

自怨自艾 — “To indulge in self-pity and self-reproach”

自怨自艾 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to indulge in self-pity and self-reproach”. To regret one's mistakes and blame oneself, often without taking proactive steps to correct them. Literally, “Self-pity and self-reproach”.

Frequency

自怨自艾 Pronunciation and Pinyin

自zì
怨yuàn
自zì
艾yì

自怨自艾 Character Breakdown

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
自	zì	6	from, self, naturally
怨	yuàn	9	resentment or grievance
自	zì	6	from, self, naturally
艾	yì	6	moxa plant

Example Sentence with 自怨自艾

事情已经发生了，与其自怨自艾，不如积极想办法解决问题。

The matter has already happened; instead of indulging in self-pity and self-reproach, it is better to actively find ways to solve the problem.

Origin and Story of 自怨自艾

The idiom '自怨自艾' (zì yuàn zì ài) traces its origin to a story from the Warring States period.

Mencius's student, Wan Zhang, harbored doubts about certain historical events and inquired if it was righteous for Yi Yin, the capable prime minister of King Tang, to assist Tang in unifying the land.

Mencius elucidated that after Yi Yin successfully aided King Tang in establishing his rule, he continued to serve and govern the court diligently.

Later, King Tang's grandson, Tai Jia, began to violate the established laws and principles. In response, Yi Yin exiled him to Xiangyi.

After three years, Tai Jia demonstrated genuine repentance and reformed his conduct. Upon witnessing this transformation, Yi Yin welcomed him back to resume his position as king.

Idioms Related to 自怨自艾

Synonyms of 自怨自艾

Antonyms of 自怨自艾

yuàn怨tiān天yóu尤rén人complain and blame everyone else

More idioms starting with 自

Questions about 自怨自艾

What does 自怨自艾 mean?: 自怨自艾 (zì yuàn zì yì) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to indulge in self-pity and self-reproach”.
How do you pronounce 自怨自艾?: 自怨自艾 is pronounced zì yuàn zì yì in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 自怨自艾 literally mean?: Literally, 自怨自艾 means “Self-pity and self-reproach”. It is used to mean “to indulge in self-pity and self-reproach”.
Where does 自怨自艾 come from?: 自怨自艾 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 自怨自艾?: 怨：怨恨，悔恨；艾：割草，比喻改正错误。原意是悔恨自己的错误，自己改正。现在只指悔恨自己的错误。

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