Chinese idiom · 成语
自力更生
Meaning
Self-reliant renewal; independent revival.
Character by character
Origin and story
Modern expressionThe expression joins one's own strength with renewed life or recovery. A documented twentieth-century use appears in Wen Yiduo's Organizing the People and Defending the Southwest, where he speaks of the people becoming stronger through their own efforts. This is an attestation, not evidence that Wen invented the phrase or that it has a single classical origin story.
Its meaning applies to supporting oneself, rebuilding an enterprise, or solving difficulties with one's own capacities. The emphasis is on initiative and the ability to act rather than waiting for rescue. In ordinary use it does not require refusing all cooperation: people can work together while taking responsibility for their own recovery.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
工厂关闭后，几位同事合开修理铺，靠手艺自力更生。
After the factory closed, several colleagues opened a repair shop together and supported themselves through their skills.
Use for rebuilding or supporting oneself through one's own effort; collective effort can also be self-reliant.