egoísta
neutral
The standard word in Mexico for "selfish" is egoísta. It has one form for men and women, so you say Él es egoísta and Ella es egoísta. It is also called muy codo.
Meaning: thinking only of oneself (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| egoísta | neutral |
| muy codo | slang, Mexico |
Egoísta is used for a person who only thinks of their own needs. A noun form is egoísmo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexican slang codo describes someone stingy with money, as in Es muy codo. It is close to selfish but is really about not spending or sharing.
How does it change in a sentence?
Egoísta does not change for gender, only for number: egoístas.
Did you know?
- Codo literally means elbow, and calling someone codo in Mexico means they are stingy.
Examples in context
- No seas egoísta y comparte.Do not be selfish and share.
- Mi hermano es un poco egoísta.My brother is a bit selfish.
- Fue un acto muy egoísta.It was a very selfish act.
Example conversation
Marta tells her son Luis to share his toys with his cousin Nico at home in Puebla.
- MartaLuis, no seas egoísta. Presta tus carritos.Luis, do not be selfish. Lend your toy cars.
- LuisPero son míos, mamá.But they are mine, Mom.
- MartaNico es tu primo. Juega con él.Nico is your cousin. Play with him.
