Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “selfish” in Vietnamese! Exploring a foreign language is a wonderful way to expand your cultural knowledge and connect with others. In this guide, we will delve into both the formal and informal ways of expressing “selfish” in Vietnamese. While regional variations are not prevalent in this context, we will mention any that may exist. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Selfish” in Vietnamese
When it comes to formal language, Vietnamese offers several words and phrases to convey the concept of “selfish.” These expressions can be used in more professional settings or when you want to emphasize respect and politeness. Below are a few examples:
- Ích kỷ – This term directly translates to “selfish” and is the most commonly used word in formal Vietnamese. It has a neutral connotation and can be used in various situations. For example, you could say, “Anh ấy rất ích kỷ,” which translates to “He is very selfish.”
- Không quan tâm đến người khác – This phrase means “not caring about others” and effectively conveys the notion of selfishness. It highlights the lack of consideration for those around you. An example sentence would be, “Cô ấy thường không quan tâm đến người khác,” meaning “She often doesn’t care about others.”
- Chỉ biết tới mình – This expression literally translates to “only thinking about oneself” and is often used to describe someone who is self-centered. For instance, you could say, “Người đó thật chỉ biết tới mình,” which means “That person really only thinks about themselves.”
Informal Ways to Say “Selfish” in Vietnamese
When communicating in an informal setting or with friends and family, you may prefer to use more casual language to express selfishness. Here are a few examples of how you can do that in Vietnamese:
- Keo kiệt – This term is commonly used to describe someone who is stingy or reluctant to share. Although it is not an exact translation of “selfish,” it captures a similar meaning. For example, you could say, “Bạn ấy thật keo kiệt,” which means “He/she is really selfish/stingy.”
- Ít quan tâm đến người khác – This phrase, which translates to “not caring much about others,” is a more colloquial way of expressing selfishness among acquaintances. For instance, you could say, “Anh ấy ít quan tâm đến người khác,” meaning “He doesn’t care much about others.”
- Chỉ biết lo cho mình – This expression is similar to its formal counterpart and translates to “only caring about oneself.” It is a common way to describe someone who is selfish among friends or in informal conversations. For example, you could say, “Người đó chỉ biết lo cho mình,” meaning “That person only cares about themselves.”
Example Sentences:
“You should consider others instead of being selfish.”
“Bạn nên xem xét đến người khác thay vì ích kỷ.”
“Don’t be so selfish all the time.”
“Đừng luôn luôn ích kỷ như vậy.”
“He is known for his selfish behavior.”
“Anh ấy được biết đến với hành vi ích kỷ.”
Final Thoughts
By now, you should have a good grasp of how to say “selfish” in Vietnamese. Whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, you can utilize these words and phrases to express the concept of selfishness accurately. Remember to consider the context and your relationship with the person you’re communicating with to choose the most appropriate expression. Language is a powerful tool for connecting with others, and your efforts to learn and understand Vietnamese are commendable. Keep practicing and enjoy your journey to discovering more about the Vietnamese language and culture!
