Refers to acting for the benefit of others, often contrasted with 利己 (self-interest). Used in philosophical, ethical, and everyday contexts.
Antonyms: 利己
I participated in volunteer activities with a spirit of altruism.
Having an altruistic heart makes society better.
利他 describes acting for others' benefit, the opposite of エゴ's self-centered, selfish attitude.
Compound of 利 (benefit, profit) and 他 (other). The term is a direct conceptual counterpart to 利己 (self-interest).