The Taoist term ziran means naturalness or spontaneity, acting in accordance with one’s own nature.
Written 自然 in Chinese, ziran literally suggests “self-so” or “so of itself.” In Taoist philosophy, it describes a mode of being that is not forced, artificial, or imposed from outside. It is closely related to living in accordance with the Dao.
Ziran is often discussed alongside wuwei, usually translated as non-forcing or effortless action. The terms overlap, but they are not identical: ziran emphasizes natural spontaneity, while wuwei emphasizes action that avoids coercion and contrivance.
The concept appears in early Taoist texts including the Daodejing and the Zhuangzi. It does not simply mean doing whatever one feels like doing. Taoist writers use it to criticize rigid social schemes and deliberate manipulation while praising flexible, responsive conduct.