Meaning
自负 has two main meanings. As an adjective, it describes someone who is excessively proud or has an inflated sense of their own abilities—conceited or arrogant. As a verb in formal contexts, it means to bear responsibility for something, especially costs or consequences (自负盈亏 = responsible for one's own profits and losses).
Usage
When describing personality, 自负 carries a negative connotation and suggests someone overestimates themselves. It's more formal than casual slang. In business/legal contexts, the verb sense appears in set phrases about bearing responsibility. Native speakers often use 骄傲 or 自大 in similar contexts, though 自负 is more literary.
Examples
- 01他太自负了，总是觉得自己比别人强。, .He's too conceited, always thinking he's better than others.
- 02这个项目由你负责，盈亏自负。, .You're in charge of this project and will be responsible for profits and losses.
Characters
Common collocations
- 自负盈亏responsible for one's own profits and losses
- 过于自负overly conceited
- 自负的人a conceited person
- 后果自负bear the consequences oneself
Antonyms
Origin
Literally 'self-carry' or 'carry oneself.' The combination suggests carrying oneself with excessive pride, or alternatively, bearing responsibility oneself.