이기적
igijeok
The Korean word for selfish is 이기적 (igijeok).
이기적 is an adjective used to describe someone who has regard for their own well-being above that of others.
Meaning: having regard for one's own well-being above that of others (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 이기적 is the base form, you will use different variations depending on how you use the word in a sentence. Use 이기적이다 to say 'to be selfish', and use 이기적인 when you want to use 'selfish' as an adjective directly before a noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 이기적 as a predicate in a sentence, you must add the verb 이다 to form 이기적이다. If you wish to use the word as an adjective to modify a noun, you must use the form 이기적인. Additionally, if you want to refer to the concept of 'selfishness' or 'egoism' as a noun, use 이기주의.
How do you pronounce it?
igijeok
Did you know?
- In a culture that often emphasizes 'we' over 'I', calling someone 이기적 can carry a much heavier social stigma than simply calling someone 'selfish' in English.
- The word 이기적 is composed of Hanja characters that literally mean 'benefit' and 'self'.
- The suffix -적 in 이기적 functions similarly to the English suffix '-istic' or '-ic', a common way to turn nouns into properties in Korean.
Examples in context
- 그사람이 예쁘다는 것은 사실이지만 근데 좀 이기적이야.It is true that she is pretty, but she is selfish.This sentence is useful for describing someone who is pretty but 이기적.Tatoeba #8358089 by Eunhee, translation #21690 by Eldad
- 그 사람은 이기적인 태도를 갖고 있다.That person has a selfish attitude.
- 그 사람은 자기중심적인 행동을 자주 한다.That person frequently engages in self-centered behavior.
- 너무 이기적이지 마세요.neomu igijeogiji maseyo.Don't be too selfish.
- 그 친구는 조금 이기적이에요.geu chinguneun jogeum igijeogiyeyo.That friend is a bit selfish.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a former classmate.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그는 정말 이기적이었어.geuneun jeongmal igijeogieosseo.He was really selfish.
- 민준 Min-jun서연아, 정말 그랬어?Seoyeona, jeongmal geuraesseo?Seoyeon, was he really like that?
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 자기 생각만 했거든.eung, jagi saenggangman haetgeodeun.Yes, he only thought about himself.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 이기적인 사람이구나.jeongmal igijeogin saramiguna.He sounds like a truly selfish person.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 이기적, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
