Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Selfish, self-seeking: "ích kỷ" describes a person who cares only about their own advantage, benefit, or pleasure, without considering or caring about the needs or feelings of others. It implies prioritizing personal gain over the common good or the well-being of others.

Usage

• The word "ích kỷ" is used to describe a person's character, attitude, or a specific action.
• It is a negative trait, often used in criticism or moral judgment.
• It can be used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "là" - to be).

Usage Examples

• Attributive use (before noun):

  • Anh ta là một người rất ích kỷ. (He is a very selfish person.)
  • Đó là một hành động ích kỷ. (That was a selfish act.)

• Predicative use (after 'là'):

  • Cô ấy thật ích kỷ khi không chia sẻ đồ chơi. (She is so selfish for not sharing the toys.)
  • Suy nghĩ chỉ về bản thân mình là ích kỷ. (Thinking only about oneself is selfish.)

Advanced Usage

• "Sự ích kỷ": This is the nominalized form, meaning "selfishness". It refers to the quality or state of being selfish.

  • Sự ích kỷ của anh ta khiến mọi người xa lánh. (His selfishness makes people avoid him.)

• "Tính ích kỷ": Similar to "sự ích kỷ", this phrase means "selfish nature" or "selfish character".

  • Cậu bé cần sửa tính ích kỷ của mình. (The boy needs to correct his selfish nature.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ích kỉ: This is a variant spelling of "ích kỷ". The meaning is identical.
• Vị kỷ: A more formal or literary synonym, also meaning "selfish" or "egoistic".
• Tư lợi (verb/noun): To seek personal gain / personal gain. It describes the action or the benefit itself, often related to "ích kỷ".

Synonyms

• Chỉ biết đến mình: Only knows/cares about oneself.
• Hẹp hòi: Narrow-minded, petty (can overlap in contexts of being self-centered).

Antonyms

• Vị tha: Altruistic, selfless.
• Hào phóng: Generous.
• Quan tâm: Caring, considerate.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "Ích kỷ hẹp hòi": A common paired phrase meaning "selfish and petty/narrow-minded". It emphasizes a small-minded form of selfishness.

  • Lối sống ích kỷ hẹp hòi không được hoan nghênh. (A selfish and petty lifestyle is not welcomed.)

• "Tư lợi cá nhân": Personal interest/benefit. Often used in contrast with collective benefit.

  • Đừng đặt tư lợi cá nhân lên trên lợi ích tập thể. (Don't place personal interest above collective benefit.)

adjective

1. selfish, sel-seeking