Definition

1. Noun:
   • Self-interest; personal gain: The private benefit or advantage of an individual, often considered in opposition to the common or public good. It refers to actions or motives driven by a desire for one's own profit or benefit.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Hành động đó hoàn toàn vì tư lợi. (That action was entirely for personal gain.)
  • Không nên đặt tư lợi lên trên lợi ích tập thể. (One should not place self-interest above collective benefit.)
  • Anh ta bị buộc tội tham nhũng vì tư lợi. (He was accused of corruption for self-interest.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is frequently used in political, social, and ethical discussions to critique behavior that prioritizes individual advantage over communal welfare.
• It often carries a negative connotation, implying selfishness or a lack of concern for the common good.

Variants and Related Words

• Vụ lợi (n): A closely related synonym meaning "profit-seeking" or "acting for material gain," often with a stronger negative implication of opportunism.
  • Hắn ta là kẻ vụ lợi. (He is a profit-seeking person.)

Synonyms

• Self-interest: Concern for one's own personal advantage.
• Personal gain: Benefit or profit for oneself.
• Private interest: Interests belonging to an individual as opposed to the public.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Chạy theo tư lợi: To pursue self-interest; to be driven by personal gain.

  • Một số quan chức chỉ chạy theo tư lợi. (Some officials only pursue their own self-interest.)

• Vì tư lợi cá nhân: For personal benefit/interest.

  • Hành động vì tư lợi cá nhân là đáng chê trách. (Acting for personal benefit is blameworthy.)

noun

1. self-interest