égoïste
/e.ɡo.ist/
The English word 'selfish' is translated into French as égoïste.
The word égoïste is used to describe someone who has regard for their own well-being above that of others. It functions as both an adjective and a noun in French.
Meaning: having regard for one's own well-being above that of others (adj)
Which one should you use?
The default form égoïste is used for singular subjects, while the form égoïstes is used when the subject is plural.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective égoïste is invariable in gender, meaning it remains the same whether the subject is masculine or feminine. To express the plural, add an 's' to the end of the word to form égoïstes.
How do you pronounce it?
/e.ɡo.ist/
When do people say it?
To express that someone is exceptionally selfish, you can use the intensive formulation égoïste comme pas deux.
Did you know?
- The French concept of égoïsme is sometimes contrasted with altruisme, a term coined by Auguste Comte, the founder of sociology, to describe the opposite of selfishness.
- In some contexts, a French speaker might use the word calculateur to describe someone who is selfish in a strategic or manipulative way.
- The spelling of égoïste includes a tréma (the two dots) over the 'i', which is a mandatory guide for pronunciation.
Examples in context
- Il est si égoïste !He's so selfish!This example shows how to use égoïste to describe a person.Tatoeba #2200754 by sacredceltic, translation #2199350 by Hybrid
- Ne sois pas égoïste.Don't be selfish.This example shows how to use égoïste in a negative command.Tatoeba #11214475 by lbdx, translation #11204528 by CK
- Quelle femme égoïste !What a selfish woman!This example shows how to use égoïste to describe a woman.Tatoeba #1927874 by sacredceltic, translation #1913103 by CK
- Dans cette situation, votre attitude égoïste est décevante.In this situation, your selfish attitude is disappointing.
- Arrête d'être égoïste, partage tes jouets avec les autres enfants.Stop being selfish, share your toys with the other children.
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are discussing a coworker at the office.
- EmmaIl est vraiment égoïste avec l'équipe.He is truly selfish with the team.
- NathanC'est vrai, il ne pense qu'à lui.It's true, he only thinks of himself.
- EmmaC'est fatigant de travailler ainsi.It is tiring to work like this.
- NathanJe suis d'accord avec toi, Emma.I agree with you, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “selfish” translations and entries égoïste, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
