エゴイスト
egoisuto
The Japanese word for egoist is エゴイスト (egoisuto).
エゴイスト is used to describe a self-centered or selfish person. You may also encounter the shortened form エゴ to refer specifically to one's ego or self-centeredness. For describing a person's nature or actions, you might use the adjective 利己的 (self-centered) or the phrase 自己愛の強い (egocentric).
Meaning: self-centered or selfish person (noun)
Which one should you use?
While エゴイスト is a loanword often used in psychological or casual contexts, the term 利己主義者 (rikishugisha) is the more formal, academic term for 'egoist' or 'egoist practitioner'.
How do you pronounce it?
egoisuto
Did you know?
- In Japanese sports culture, especially football, エゴイスト is sometimes used as a compliment for a striker who has the 'selfish' confidence to take a shot instead of passing.
- Japanese social harmony, or 和 (wa), makes the label エゴイスト a powerful social critique, as prioritizing the self over the group is seen as a disruption of peace.
- In Japanese pop culture, specifically in certain anime or manga, the term エゴ (ego) is often used to describe a character's driving, singular passion or ambition rather than just a negative personality trait.
Examples in context
- 大経営者は自己中心的な人物です。The CEO is an egoistic person.
- 彼は完全にエゴイストだ。Kare wa kanzen ni egoisuto da.He is a complete egoist.
- そんなエゴイストにはなりたくない。Sonna egoisuto ni wa naritakunai.I don't want to be that kind of egoist.
- 彼女は少しエゴイストなところがある。Kanojo wa sukoshi egoisuto na tokoro ga aru.She has a bit of an egoist side.
Example conversation
Hana and Ren are talking about a mutual friend.
- 陽葵 Himari彼は自分のことしか考えないわね。Kare wa jibun no koto shika kangaenai wa ne.He only thinks about himself, doesn't he?
- 蓮 Renああ、完全にエゴイストだよ。Aa, kanzen ni egoisuto dayo.Yeah, he's a complete egoist.
- 陽葵 Himari疲れるわよね。Tsukareru wa yo ne.It's exhausting, isn't it?
- 蓮 Ren本当にそうだね。Hontō ni sō da ne.It really is.
