Definition
自居 is a formal verb meaning 'to consider oneself as' or 'to claim to be', almost always used in the pattern 以…自居 (yǐ…zìjū), where the thing after 以 is the role or identity the person claims. The word often carries a slightly negative connotation of pretension or self-importance — someone 以专家自居 is 'posing as an expert' or 'considering themselves an expert (perhaps unjustifiably).' It is not used in casual conversation.
v.
to consider oneself (as)to claim to be (often with 以…自居, sometimes implying pretension)
Examples
- 自居，。Tā zǒng yǐ zhuānjiā zì jū, qíshí dǒng de bìng bù duō.He always considers himself an expert, but actually doesn't know that much.
- 自居，。Tā yǐ lǐngdǎo zì jū, duì měi gè xìjié dōu yào chāshǒu.She poses as a leader and meddles in every detail.
- 自居，。Zhè wèi zuòjiā yǐ píngmín zì jū, zuòpǐn hěn jiē dìqì.This writer considers himself a commoner, and his works are very down-to-earth.
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