Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Selfish: Characterized by a primary concern for one's own personal profit or pleasure, with little or no regard for the well-being, needs, or feelings of others.
   • Egoistic: Acting based on self-interest as the primary motive.

2. Noun (less common):

   • Selfishness: The quality or state of being selfish; egoism.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta là một người rất ích kỉ. (He is a very selfish person.)
  • Đừng có hành động ích kỉ như vậy. (Don't act so selfishly.)
• Noun:
  • Ích kỉ là một tính xấu. (Selfishness is a bad trait.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used in moral or ethical discussions to criticize behavior that lacks consideration for others.
• It can describe both a temporary attitude ( - a selfish act) and a permanent character trait ( - a selfish person).

Variants and Related Words

• Ích kỷ: This is a common alternate spelling of "ích kỉ". The meanings are identical.
• Vị kỷ (adj/n): A more formal or literary synonym for selfish/selfishness, often used in philosophical contexts.

Synonyms

• Self-centered: Interested only in oneself.
• Egoistical: Excessively conceited or absorbed in oneself.
• Self-serving: Having concern for one's own welfare and interests above those of others.

Antonyms

• Vị tha (adj): Altruistic, selfless.
• Rộng lượng (adj): Generous, magnanimous.
• Hào phóng (adj): Liberal, generous.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Tính ích kỉ: Selfishness (as a character trait).
  • Tính ích kỉ của anh ấy khiến mọi người xa lánh. (His selfishness makes people avoid him.)
• Lòng ích kỉ: Selfish sentiment/attitude.
  • Hãy vượt qua lòng ích kỉ cá nhân. (Overcome your personal selfishness.)