ích kỷ
The English word 'selfish' is translated into Vietnamese as ích kỷ.
Ích kỷ is used to describe both a person's character and a specific action that is self-serving, meaning having regard for one's own well-being above that of others.
Meaning: having regard for one's own well-being above that of others (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word ích kỷ is composed of ích meaning benefit or interest and kỷ meaning self.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the adjective ích kỷ into the noun 'selfishness', you add the prefix sự to create sự ích kỷ.
Did you know?
- In Vietnamese, the concept of 'selfishness' is often viewed through the lens of breaking social harmony. Unlike some Western perspectives where 'self-care' is a positive thing, being too focused on one's own 'ích' is seen as a direct threat to the collective 'we' of the family or community.
- The word ích in ích kỷ is the same character used in the term for 'profit' or 'gain' in a business context. This links the idea of being 'selfish' directly to the pursuit of private 'profit'.
- A person who is 'self-centered' in a more polite or formal way might be described using different terminology, as ích kỷ is quite a sharp and direct accusation in a social setting.
Examples in context
- Tôi không có ý định ích kỷ đâu.I don't intend to be selfish.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not intend to be ích kỷ.Tatoeba #5697 by autuno, translation #1352 by Zifre
- Có lẽ bạn nói đúng, tôi đã quá ích kỷ.Perhaps you are right, I have been selfish.This sentence is useful for admitting that you have been ích kỷ.Tatoeba #5939 by khoaharp, translation #2197 by Dejo
- Anh ấy rất ích kỷHe is very selfish
- Cô ấy thường không quan tâm đến người khácShe often doesn't care about others
- Người đó thật chỉ biết tới mìnhThat person really only thinks about themselves
- Anh ấy ít quan tâm đến người khácHe doesn't care much about others
- Người đó chỉ biết lo cho mìnhThat person only cares about themselves
- Bạn nên xem xét đến người khác thay vì ích kỷYou should consider others instead of being selfish
- Đừng luôn luôn ích kỷ như vậyDon't be so selfish all the time
- Anh ấy được biết đến với hành vi ích kỷHe is known for his selfish behavior
- Đừng có ích kỷ như vậy.Don't be so selfish.
Example conversation
Hùng and Chi are discussing how to share a cake.
- HùngAnh muốn ăn hết cái bánh này.I want to eat this whole cake.
- ChiHùng, anh thật là ích kỷ!Hùng, you are so selfish!
- HùngAnh chỉ đùa chút thôi mà.I was just joking.
- ChiHãy chia cho em một nửa nhé.Please share half with me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ích kỷ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ích, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
