HSK 7-9
擅自
shànzì
Without permission; without authorization
Structure
Subject + 擅自 + [Verb / Verb Phrase]
How it works
The adverb '擅自' is used to describe an action taken without authorization or permission, often implying that the person had no right to do so. It usually carries a negative connotation and is frequently used in formal, legal, or professional contexts to highlight a violation of rules or procedures.
Examples
未经允许，任何人不得擅自进入实验室。
Wèijīng yǔnxǔ, rènhé rén bùdé shànzì jìnrù shíyànshì.
No one is allowed to enter the laboratory without permission.
他擅自修改了合同的内容，这让公司损失惨重。
Tā shànzì xiūgǎile hétóng de nèiróng, zhè ràng gōngsī sǔnshī cǎnzhòng.
He modified the contract content without authorization, which caused heavy losses for the company.
保安发现他擅自离岗，随即向上级汇报了此事。
Bǎo'ān fāxiàn tā shànzì lígǎng, suíjí xiàng shàngjí huìbàole cǐshì.
The security guard found that he had left his post without permission and immediately reported the matter to his superiors.
Common mistakes
Do not use '擅自' for positive or neutral independent actions (e.g., 'He went to the store on his own'); it must imply a breach of duty or lack of required permission.
Tip
Think of '擅自' as 'acting on one's own authority' when one shouldn't. It is almost always followed by a disyllabic verb emphasizing a specific action or regulation.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 擅自 in real Chinese
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