自習
じしゅう · jishuu · JLPT N2 · noun
self-study
📚 自 (self) + 習 (study, practice) = study on your own
自 means self and 習 means practice or study, so 自習 is practicing or studying by yourself. Sounds like 'jishu', a self-directed study session.
自 — pictograph of a nose
自 originally depicted a human nose, shown frontally with the bridge and nostrils. Ancient Chinese pointed to their own nose to mean 'me,' so 自 shifted to mean 'self' or 'oneself.' A new character 鼻 was later created to carry the original 'nose' meaning.