自私

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 他太自私,从不为别人着想。▶ —
   He is too selfish and never thinks of others.
2. 自私的人很难交到真心朋友。▶ —
   Selfish people find it hard to make true friends.

Collocations

Mnemonic

自 zì "self" + 私 sī "private/selfish": caring only for oneself, i.e. selfish. 私 shows grain 禾 and 厶 (keeping for oneself). 自私自利 = self-serving. Opposite of 无私 (selfless) and 慷慨 (generous).

Related

Quick check

1. What is an antonym of 自私?

   • 无私 (selfless)
   • 自利 (self-serving)
   • 小气 (stingy)
   • 自大 (arrogant)