self-interest; personal profit
Refers to acting for one's own benefit, often with a negative connotation of selfishness. Frequently used in the compound 私利私欲 (selfish greed).
He is acting out of self-interest.
Politicians must not pursue selfish greed.
self-interest; selfish desire; greed
Compound of 私 (private, personal) and 利 (profit, advantage). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination naturally yields the meaning of personal gain.