noun
Refers to prioritizing one's own benefit, often with a negative connotation. Antonym: 利他 (altruism).
Antonyms: 利他
彼の行動は利己的な動機によるものだ。
His actions are driven by self-interested motives.
利己に走ると周囲の信頼を失う。
If you act out of self-interest, you will lose the trust of those around you.
From 利 (profit, benefit) and 己 (self). The compound directly conveys the idea of benefiting oneself.