εγωιστής
egoïstís
The English word 'selfish' can be translated into Greek as εγωιστής (egoïstís).
The term is used to describe someone who has regard for their own well-being above that of others. For a more formal way to express being self-absorbed or preoccupied with oneself, you might use the phrase Προσηλώμενος στον εαυτό του/της.
Meaning: having regard for one's own well-being above that of others (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word εγωιστής is derived from the Greek word 'ego' (εγώ), which means 'I'.
How does it change in a sentence?
There is a distinction between the noun and the adjective forms. The word εγωιστής is a noun meaning 'a selfish person'. To describe a person or an action as 'selfish', use the adjective εγωιστικός for masculine subjects or εγωιστικό as the neuter form.
How do you pronounce it?
egoïstís
Did you know?
- Although εγωιστής looks like a native Ancient Greek word, it was actually borrowed from the French word 'égoïste'.
- Greek possesses a specific term φιλαυτία which describes 'self-love', a concept that can be seen as a positive virtue or a selfish flaw depending on the context.
- Because the noun εγωιστής ends in -ιστής, it follows the same grammatical pattern as words for professionals like 'dentist' or 'pianist'.
Examples in context
- Ο διάβολος είναι εγωιστής.The Devil is selfish.This sentence uses εγωιστής to characterize the Devil.Tatoeba #6779088 by Adelpa, translation #8307566 by lucasmg123
- Ο παλιός μου φίλος έγινε πολύ εγωιστής.O palios mou filos egine poli egoistis.My old friend became very selfish.
Example conversation
Eleni and Nikos are arguing about sharing a snack.
- Ελένη EleniΓιατί δεν θέλεις να μοιραστείς;Giati den theleis na moirasteis?Why don't you want to share?
- Νίκος NikosΑπλά μου αρέσουν πολύ these πατατάκια.Apla mou areisoun poly these patatakia.I just really like these chips.
- Ελένη EleniΝίκο, είσαι πολύ εγωιστής!Niko, eisai poly egoistis!Nikos, you are very selfish!
- Νίκος NikosΕντάξει, πάρε μερικά.Entaxei, pare merika.Fine, take some.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry εγωιστής, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries εγωιστής, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
