noun
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'.
彼の行動は我利に走っている。
His actions are driven by self-interest.
我利我利の人間は信用できない。
A selfish person cannot be trusted.
利己 is a more formal term for self-interest or egoism, often used in philosophical or psychological contexts, while 我利 is more colloquial and carries a stronger negative nuance of selfishness.
我欲 refers to selfish desires or greed, emphasizing personal cravings, whereas 我利 focuses on the pursuit of one's own advantage.
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.