自幼
How to Understand
自幼 means 'since childhood' or 'from a young age.' It describes someone who has had a particular experience, habit, or characteristic throughout their entire life, emphasizing the long-term nature of the trait or behavior.
The character 自 (zì) means 'self' or 'since,' and 幼 (yòu) means 'young' or 'childhood.' Together, they literally translate to 'since youth,' forming a phrase that highlights the early origin of something.
自幼 is commonly used in biographies, personal stories, or descriptions of someone's upbringing. It often appears in contexts such as artistic talent, language skills, or cultural traditions passed down from an early age. In Chinese culture, it is often associated with values like diligence, heritage, and lifelong dedication.