أناني
'anānī
The English adjective 'selfish' is translated into Arabic as أناني ('anānī).
The term is used to describe someone who prioritizes their own well-being above that of others.
Meaning: having regard for one's own well-being above that of others (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The adjective أناني is derived from the root for the word 'I' (أنا), implying a person who is only concerned with the 'self'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word أناني is the masculine singular adjective. To describe a female, use the feminine form أنانية. For a masculine plural, use أنانيون.
How do you pronounce it?
'anānī
Did you know?
- In some social contexts, calling a man 'selfish' using أناني can be seen as a much harsher critique of his masculinity and responsibility toward his family than it might be in English.
- In classical Arabic literature, selfishness is often contrasted with إيثار, a word that describes the act of preferring others over oneself even when in need.
- Because أناني is built from the word 'I' (أنا), calling someone 'selfish' in Arabic is literally akin to calling them an 'I-ist'.
Examples in context
- إنه شخص أناني للغاية.He's a very selfish person.This sentence uses أناني to describe a person.Tatoeba #428401 by saeb, translation #292173 by CK
- لا أنوي أن أكون أنانيا.I don't intend to be selfish.This sentence uses أناني to express an intention.Tatoeba #553048 by Samer, translation #1352 by Zifre
- لم أنت أناني لهذه الدّرجة؟Why are you so selfish?This sentence uses أناني to ask a question about a person's behavior.Tatoeba #7972790 by OsoHombre, translation #7113615 by CM
- شخص أناني يفكر فقط في ذاته.He is a selfish person who only thinks about himself.
- أنانية هذا الشخص تضايق الآخرين.This person's selfishness bothers others.
- انت أناني جداً بعدم مشاركة نصيحتك.You are incredibly selfish for not sharing your advice.
- انا مليش وقت للناس المغرورة والأنانية.I have no time for arrogant and selfish people.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ziad and Nour are discussing a friend's behavior.
- زياد Ziadهل رأيتِ كيف أخذ كل شيء؟hal ra'ayti kayfa akhadha kull shay'?Did you see how he took everything?
- نور Nourنعم، إنه شخص أناني حقاً.na'am, innahu shakhs anani haqqan.Yes, he is truly a selfish person.
- زياد Ziadلقد خيب ظني كثيراً.laqad khayyaba dhanni kathiran.He disappointed me a lot.
- نور Nourيجب أن نبتعد عنه يا زياد.yajib an nabta'id 'anhu ya Ziad.We should stay away from him, Ziad.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries أناني, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
