Refers to acting for one's own benefit, often with a negative connotation. Commonly used in compounds like 我利我利 (がりがり) meaning 'selfish' or 'mercenary'.
His actions are driven by self-interest.
A selfish person cannot be trusted.
Standard kanji spelling for this word.
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing.
The word 我利 is a compound of 我 (が, 'self') and 利 (り, 'profit' or 'advantage'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it likely emerged as a term for self-centered gain.