zi6 ngo5 zung1 sam1自我中心
Jyutpingzi6 ngo5 zung1 sam1
Yalejih ngóh jūng sām
Definition
Egocentric or self-centered; describing someone who only thinks from their own perspective.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This term is frequently used in interpersonal conflicts to criticize someone for lacking empathy or failing to consider the needs of others. It carries a stronger negative connotation than simply being selfish, as it specifically highlights a cognitive bias where the person is unable to see beyond their own perspective. You will often hear it paired with the particle 咁 to emphasize the degree of the behavior.
Examples
He is very self-centered and always only thinks about himself.
Can you please stop being so self-centered?
Related words
Common phrases
very self-centered
have an egocentric personality
Grammar color guide
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Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
