jat1 gei2 zi1 si1一己之私

Jyutpingjat1 gei2 zi1 si1

Yaleyāt géi jī sī

Definition

One's own selfish interests.

writtenemotionpeople

How it's used

This idiom carries a strong negative connotation, often used to criticize someone for prioritizing personal gain over the collective good or ethical standards. It is formal in tone and typically appears in serious discussions, news reports, or when someone is being formally reprimanded for selfish behavior. Unlike casual ways of saying someone is selfish, this phrase emphasizes the calculated nature of the act.

Examples

keoi5佢zou6做je5嘢zi2只hai6係wai6為zo2咗jat1一gei2己zi1之si1私。

He only does things for his own selfish interests.

nei5你m4唔hou2好wai6為zo2咗jat1一gei2己zi1之si1私ji4而ngaak1呃jan4人。

Don't lie to people just for your own selfish interests.

Common phrases

ceot1出jyu1於jat1一gei2己zi1之si1私

out of personal interest

mun5滿zuk1足jat1一gei2己zi1之si1私

to satisfy one's own selfish interests

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a common adjective, but it functions as a noun phrase. It is not used to describe a person directly, so avoid saying someone is 一己之私; instead, use it to describe the motivation behind their actions.