Korean Conversation · Level 227
15 words
Korean word
이기적
Pronunciation
Romanizationigijeok
Meaning
- adjectiveselfish
Example
아이들이 이기적일 때가 있어.a i deu ri i gi jeo gil ttae ga i sseo
Children can be selfish sometimes.
More examples
연인 사이에서는 그런 이기적인 태도가 상처를 준다.yeo nin sa i e seo neun keu reon i gi jeo gin tae do ga sang cheo reul chun da
Among romantic partners, that kind of selfish attitude hurts the other person.
Core concept
Personal interests take priority, leaving little room for consideration of other people.
Common phrases
이기적인 태도i gi jeo gin tae do
self-centered attitude
이기적인 요구i gi jeo gin yo gu
self-centered requests
이기적인 말투i gi jeo gin mal tu
self-centered tone
Similar words
자기중심적chagijungsimjeok: Basing choices mainly on personal views and desires while often ignoring how others feel.
이기심 많은igisim maneun: Having a strong desire for personal gain that leaves little willingness to give way to others.
자기밖에 모르는chagibakke moreuneun: Thinking only about personal concerns and failing to notice other people's presence or feelings.
Definition in Korean
자기 편의나 이익을 먼저 생각하여 타인을 배려하지 못하는 상태나 행동을 이르는 형용사.cha gi pyeo nui na i i geul meon jeo saeng ga ka yeo ta i neul pae ryeo ha ji mo ta neun sang tae na haeng dong eul i reu neun hyeong yong sa
Word origin
This adjective comes from Sino-Korean elements meaning personal benefit and self, followed by a suffix that forms a descriptive word.
Usage tips
- In conversation, describing a child this way may sound temporary and gentle, while describing an adult this way often expresses clear disapproval.
Opposites
- 이타적itajeokaltruisticadjective
Related words
- 이기심igisimselfishnessnoun
- 이기주의자igijuuijaegoistnoun
- 이기적으로igijeogeuroselfishlyadverb