Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Petty: Excessively concerned with minor details or rules, often in a narrow-minded or small-hearted way.
   • Self-centered / Selfish: Primarily focused on one's own interests, needs, or image, with little regard for others.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ta rất tiểu kỉ, luôn để ý đến những lỗi nhỏ nhặt của người khác. (He is very petty, always noticing other people's minor mistakes.)
  • Đừng tiểu kỉ chỉ nghĩ đến bản thân mình. (Don't be so self-centered, thinking only of yourself.)
  • Thái độ tiểu kỉ của cô ấy khiến mọi người khó chịu. (Her petty attitude makes everyone uncomfortable.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "tiểu kỉ" is often used in a moral or character judgment context, criticizing someone for having a small-minded or egotistical nature. It implies a lack of generosity, magnanimity, or vision.

Variants and Related Words

• Ích kỷ (adj): Selfish, egoistic. This is a more common and direct synonym for selfishness.

  • Hành động ích kỷ đó thật đáng trách. (That selfish action is truly blameworthy.)

• Nhỏ nhen (adj): Petty, mean-spirited, narrow-minded. Closely related to the "petty" aspect of "tiểu kỉ".

  • Tính cách nhỏ nhen không giúp được gì trong hợp tác. (A petty character is of no help in cooperation.)

Synonyms

• Petty: Trivial, small-minded.
• Self-centered: Egocentric, selfish.
• Mean-spirited: Unkind, narrow in outlook.

Related Concepts

• Tiểu kỉ contrasts with "vị tha" (altruistic) or "rộng lượng" (generous, broad-minded). It describes a personality flaw where one's concerns are confined to trivial matters or the self.