Translation guide
The concept of acting for one's own benefit, often with a nuance of selfishness. Japanese expressions range from neutral terms for personal interest to strongly negative words for selfishness.
Expressing that someone is acting out of selfish motives, often at the expense of others.
A formal term for egoism or self-interest as a principle. Often used in philosophical or critical contexts.
彼の行動は利己主義に基づいている。
His actions are based on self-interest.
A compound meaning 'self-interest and selfish desires'. Strongly negative, often used in criticism of politicians or businesspeople.
政治家は私利私欲のために動いている。
Politicians are acting out of self-interest.
An adjective meaning 'selfish' or 'egoistic'. Describes a person or behavior that prioritizes oneself.
彼は利己的な人間だ。
He is a selfish person.
A common, colloquial term for selfishness or doing as one pleases without considering others.
自分勝手な行動はやめてください。
Please stop your selfish behavior.
A somewhat literary term for self-interest, often used in compounds like 我利我利 (selfishness).
彼は我利に走る。
He pursues his own self-interest.
Referring to one's own advantage or concern, without strong negative judgment.
A direct translation of 'self-interest', used in economics or psychology. Neutral and formal.
人は自己利益を追求する。
People pursue self-interest.
Private interest or personal gain, often contrasted with public interest (公益).
公益よりも私益を優先する。
Prioritize self-interest over public interest.
A simple, natural phrase meaning 'for one's own sake'. Can be used in everyday conversation.
自分のために勉強する。
I study for my own benefit.
For one's own good or benefit, often used in advice or warnings.
それは身のためにならない。
That won't be in your self-interest.
Acting in a way that ultimately benefits oneself, often through cooperation or ethical behavior.
A direct translation of 'enlightened self-interest', used in academic or business contexts.
環境保護は賢明な自己利益だ。
Environmental protection is enlightened self-interest.
A more colloquial way to express acting for one's long-term benefit.
それは長期的な自分のためになる。
That will be in your long-term self-interest.
Direct translations like 自己利益 can sound stiff or academic. In everyday conversation, use 自分のため or 自分勝手 depending on the nuance.
自分のためにやっているだけだよ。
I'm just doing it for myself.
利己的 is more formal and often used in written analysis, while 自分勝手 is common in spoken Japanese and carries a stronger emotional tone of selfishness.