Discipline in Chinese
The Chinese word for discipline is 自律 (zì lǜ). Literally “self rule”: discipline that comes from within.
zì lǜ
Discipline
What 自律 means.
律 is a law or rule, so 自律 means governing yourself. It is a popular word in China for the daily habits behind success, as in 自律给我自由, “discipline gives me freedom”.
- 自
- self
- 律
- law, rule
Simplified and traditional
自律
自律
自律 is written the same way in simplified and traditional Chinese, so every Chinese reader recognises it.
About discipline in Chinese
How do you write discipline in Chinese?
Discipline is 自律 in Chinese, pronounced zì lǜ. Self-discipline 自 means “self”, 律 means “law, rule”.
How do you pronounce 自律?
Say zì (fourth tone, falling), lǜ (fourth tone, falling). Mandarin tones change meaning, so it is worth listening to a native speaker once.
Is 自律 different in traditional Chinese?
No. 自律 is written the same way in simplified and traditional Chinese.
Is 自律 a good Chinese tattoo?
Yes, it is a real, everyday Chinese word rather than a machine translation, so Chinese readers will understand it. Keep the characters in their order, top to bottom or left to right, and never mirrored. Choose a readable style such as Kaishu, bring a clean reference to your artist, and show it to a fluent reader before your appointment.