自励 is a verb meaning 'to encourage oneself' or 'self-motivation.' It combines two characters: 自 (zì), meaning 'self,' and 励 (lì), meaning 'to encourage' or 'to inspire.' Together, they form a compound expressing internal drive—motivation that comes from within, not from external praise or pressure. The word emphasizes personal initiative, resilience, and emotional self-regulation.

This term is commonly used in contexts related to personal growth, education, career development, and psychological well-being. It often appears in inspirational speeches, self-help literature, and reflective writing. While formal and slightly literary, it’s widely understood and appropriate in both spoken and written Mandarin—especially when describing perseverance through difficulty, setting personal goals, or maintaining optimism during setbacks. It carries a positive, dignified connotation and reflects Confucian-influenced values of self-cultivation and moral autonomy.