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利己的な

B1 adjective #4,000 よく出る 11分で読める

利己的な

rikoteki na 上位4,000

練習する例文メモとヒント 利己的な 30秒で

解説 利己的な in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting your Japanese journey. The word '利己的な' (rikoteki-na) is quite advanced for this stage, but it is good to recognize the character '己' (ko), which means 'self.' Think of this word as a 'super-selfish' word. While you might learn the word 'wagamama' (selfish) first because it is easier to say and use with friends, 'rikoteki-na' is the word you will see in books or hear on the news. At this level, don't worry about using it in your own sentences yet. Just remember that 'ri' means profit and 'ko' means self. When you see it, think 'someone is doing something only for themselves.' In Japanese culture, thinking of others is very important, so this word is used to describe someone who is not following that rule. You can imagine a person holding all the toys and not letting anyone else play. That is the basic idea. Even though it is a long word, breaking it down into 'ri-ko-teki' makes it easier to remember. You will mostly see it written with kanji, so try to remember the shape of '己' (self) which looks like a little person sitting down. This will help you identify many words related to the 'self' later on in your studies.

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At the A2 level, you are beginning to understand more complex adjectives. '利己的な' is a 'na-adjective.' This means when you want to describe a person or a thing, you must put 'na' after it. For example, 'rikoteki-na hito' (a selfish person). At this stage, you should know that 'rikoteki-na' is more serious than 'wagamama.' If you call someone 'rikoteki-na,' it's like saying they are 'egoistic' or 'self-centered' in a very adult way. You might hear this in a story or a movie when a character is being very mean and only thinking about money or their own success. It is also helpful to know the opposite idea, which is 'yasashii' (kind) or 'omoi-yari' (thoughtful). In Japanese, being 'rikoteki' is often seen as the opposite of being a good member of a group. You might see this word in simple news articles or on social media when people are complaining about bad behavior. Try to notice the 'teki' at the end; this is a very common ending for adjectives that describe a 'type' or 'quality' of something, like 'romantic' or 'artistic' in English. Learning this word now will prepare you for more formal Japanese in the future.

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As a B1 learner, you should be able to use '利己的な' in your writing and speaking to express specific nuances. This word is perfect for when you want to discuss personality traits or social issues in a more formal way. You should understand that 'rikoteki-na' implies a conscious focus on one's own profit (利) at the expense of others. It is less about being 'spoiled' (wagamama) and more about being 'calculating.' For example, in a business context, if someone makes a decision that helps them but hurts the company, you would describe that as a 'rikoteki-na kettei' (a selfish decision). You should also be comfortable using the adverbial form 'rikoteki-ni' to describe how someone acts. For instance, 'Kare wa rikoteki-ni furumatta' (He acted selfishly). At this level, you should also be aware of the noun form 'rikoshugi' (egoism/selfishness). This is the 'ism' of being selfish. Understanding this word helps you engage in deeper conversations about ethics and human behavior. You are no longer just saying 'that's bad'; you are saying 'that is egoistic.' This adds a layer of sophistication to your Japanese that is expected at the intermediate level. Practice using it when discussing characters in books or movies to get used to its formal weight.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the social and psychological implications of '利己的な.' You should be able to distinguish it clearly from '自己中心的な' (jiko-chuushinteki). While 'jiko-chuushinteki' often implies a lack of perspective or empathy—someone who simply doesn't realize they are being a nuisance—'rikoteki-na' carries a stronger connotation of 'greed' or 'rational self-interest.' It is a word often used in the context of 'Game Theory' or 'Evolutionary Biology' to describe 'rational actors' who seek to maximize their own utility. You should also be able to use this word in formal essays or debates. For example, you might discuss whether modern capitalism encourages 'rikoteki-na kousei' (selfish compositions/makeup) of society. You should also be familiar with the term '利己的な遺伝子' (The Selfish Gene) and how it fits into scientific discourse. At this level, you are expected to understand the nuance of 'teki' as a categorizing suffix and how it contrasts with the more emotional 'ppai' or 'rashii.' You should also be able to recognize 'rikoteki' in complex sentence structures, such as those involving 'nara de wa' or 'ni suginai,' to describe the limits of selfish behavior. Your goal is to use this word to provide objective, critical analysis rather than just personal opinion.

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At the C1 level, you should be able to use '利己的な' with the precision of a native speaker, understanding its philosophical roots and its place in intellectual discourse. You should be able to discuss the tension between '利己主義' (Egoism) and '利他主義' (Altruism) in the context of Japanese ethics and the concept of 'Giri' (obligation). You should be able to analyze how 'rikoteki' behavior is portrayed in classical and modern Japanese literature, such as the works of Natsume Soseki, where the struggle between individual desire and social duty is a central theme. Furthermore, you should be able to use the word in high-level business or legal negotiations to describe 'bad faith' or 'self-serving' interpretations of a contract. You should also be comfortable with related academic terms like '心理的利己主義' (psychological egoism). At this level, you should notice how the word is used in media to critique systemic issues, such as 'rikoteki-na neshonaru-izumu' (selfish nationalism). Your use of the word should reflect an understanding that 'rikoteki' is not just a moral judgment but a descriptive category for a specific mode of human agency that prioritizes the 'self' (己) as the primary beneficiary (利). You should also be able to use its antonyms and synonyms (like 'kenmenteki' or 'muga') to create a nuanced argument about human nature.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of '利己的な' should be absolute, extending to its most subtle nuances and its use in highly specialized fields. You should be able to explore the etymological nuances of the kanji '己' and how its meaning has evolved from ancient Chinese philosophy into modern Japanese psychological terminology. You should be able to critique the use of 'rikoteki' in political rhetoric, identifying when it is used as a 'loaded word' to marginalize individualistic viewpoints in favor of state-driven collectivism. In academic writing, you should be able to use the word to describe complex biological phenomena or economic models (like the 'homo economicus') with perfect register. You should also be sensitive to the 'intertextuality' of the word—how its use in a modern poem might echo its use in a Meiji-era philosophical treatise. Your command of the word should allow you to discuss the paradoxes of 'altruistic selfishness' or 'enlightened self-interest' (開明的な利己主義) with ease. At this level, '利己的な' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for philosophical inquiry, allowing you to deconstruct and analyze the very foundations of human motivation and social structure in both Japanese and global contexts. You should be able to use it in any register, from a scathing academic critique to a nuanced literary analysis, with complete naturalness.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

利己的な 30秒で

利己的な (Rikoteki-na) is a formal na-adjective meaning 'selfish' or 'egoistic,' focusing on the pursuit of self-profit.
It is composed of kanji for 'benefit' (利) and 'self' (己), making it an analytical term for self-interest.
Unlike the casual 'wagamama,' it is used in professional, literary, or academic settings to describe serious character flaws.
It is essential for B1+ learners to discuss ethics, social issues, and psychological motives with precision.

The Japanese term 利己的な (Rikoteki-na) is a formal na-adjective that translates to 'selfish' or 'egoistic.' While the English word 'selfish' is broad and can be used for a child refusing to share a toy or a politician making corrupt decisions, rikoteki carries a more analytical, psychological, and often clinical tone. It is composed of three kanji characters: 利 (ri) meaning 'profit' or 'benefit,' 己 (ko) meaning 'self,' and 的 (teki) which is a suffix that turns a noun into an adjective, similar to '-ic' or '-al' in English. Therefore, etymologically, the word literally describes someone whose actions are 'oriented toward self-benefit.'

Societal Context: In Japanese society, which emphasizes harmony (和 - wa) and collective well-being, being labeled as 'rikoteki' is a significant criticism. It implies that an individual is intentionally disregarding the group's needs to satisfy their own desires, which is seen as a major character flaw in professional and social settings.

彼はいつも利己的な理由で決断を下す。(He always makes decisions for selfish reasons.)

You will most frequently encounter this word in literature, news editorials, psychological discussions, and serious debates. It is less common in casual conversation among friends, where the term わがまま (wagamama) is preferred. If you call a friend 'rikoteki,' it sounds like you are making a cold, objective judgment about their personality rather than expressing a personal grievance. This distinction is crucial for learners to understand; rikoteki is an observation of a trait, whereas wagamama is often a reaction to a behavior.

Nuance of 'Teki': The suffix 'teki' (的) adds an air of abstraction. It suggests that the person is 'acting in a way that is characteristic of selfishness.' This makes the word feel more like a classification of behavior rather than just a simple adjective.

現代社会では、利己的な個人主義が広がっている。(In modern society, selfish individualism is spreading.)

Furthermore, the word is often paired with abstract nouns like 考え (thought), 行動 (action), or 動機 (motive). In these contexts, it highlights the 'self-serving' nature of the abstract concept. For example, a 'rikoteki-na douki' is a motive that only benefits the person involved, often at the expense of others. This word is essential for reaching the B1 level and beyond because it allows you to discuss ethics, personality, and social issues with more precision than basic adjectives allow.

Contrast with Altruism: To fully understand 'rikoteki,' one should also know its opposite: 'ritateki' (利他的 - altruistic). The 'ta' (他) means 'other.' This pair is frequently used in philosophy and sociology classes to discuss human nature and the balance between looking out for oneself and helping others.

人間は本来、利己的な生き物なのだろうか。(Are humans inherently selfish creatures?)

Using 利己的な (Rikoteki-na) correctly requires an understanding of its grammar as a na-adjective. In Japanese, na-adjectives require the particle 'na' when they precede a noun and 'da' or 'desu' when they end a sentence. Because rikoteki is a formal word, it is most often used in the 'na' form to modify nouns that describe behaviors or attitudes. For instance, 'rikoteki-na furumai' (selfish behavior) or 'rikoteki-na sentaku' (a selfish choice) are common collocations that appear in written Japanese.

彼女の利己的な振る舞いは、チームの士気を下げた。(Her selfish behavior lowered the team's morale.)

Sentence Structure 1: Modifying Nouns: [Adjective] + な + [Noun]. This is the most common usage. Example: 利己的な考え (A selfish thought), 利己的な人間 (A selfish person).

When you want to say someone is selfish using this word, you would say 'Kare wa rikoteki da' (He is selfish). However, because this sounds like a clinical diagnosis, speakers often soften it or use it to describe a specific aspect of a person. For example, 'Kare no kangae wa rikoteki desu' (His way of thinking is selfish) is slightly more common than simply calling the person themselves 'rikoteki' in a direct address. This maintains a level of polite distance while still delivering a sharp critique.

そんな利己的な態度は許されない。(Such a selfish attitude is not permitted.)

Sentence Structure 2: Predicative Use: [Subject] + は + 利己的 + です/だ. Example: その政治家は非常に利己的だ。(That politician is extremely selfish.)

Another important usage is the adverbial form, 利己的に (rikoteki-ni). This is used to describe how an action is performed. If someone acts only for their own benefit, you would say they are acting 'rikoteki-ni.' This is often used in business or legal contexts to describe parties who are not acting in good faith or who are ignoring the interests of stakeholders. It provides a way to describe the 'manner' of an action with a high degree of specificity.

彼は自分の利益のために、利己的に振る舞った。(He acted selfishly for his own profit.)

Common Collocations: 利己的な動機 (Selfish motive), 利己的な遺伝子 (The Selfish Gene - book title), 利己的な愛 (Selfish love).

In summary, when using rikoteki-na, you are moving beyond basic emotional descriptions and into the realm of character analysis. It is a powerful word that should be used with care, as its formal tone makes the accusation of selfishness feel heavy and considered. Whether you are writing an essay about social responsibility or reading a complex novel, identifying the use of 'na,' 'ni,' or 'da' with this word will help you grasp the speaker's intent and the severity of the situation being described.

In the real world, you are more likely to 'read' 利己的な (Rikoteki-na) than to hear it in a casual chat at a bar. However, it is a staple of Japanese media and intellectual life. If you watch NHK news or read a newspaper like the Asahi Shimbun, you will frequently see this word used in editorials criticizing government policies, corporate scandals, or societal trends. It is the 'go-to' word for journalists when they want to describe a lack of public spirit or a focus on narrow interests at the expense of the common good.

ニュースのコメンテーターが、「これはあまりにも利己的な政策だ」と言った。(The news commentator said, 'This is an excessively selfish policy.')

Literature and Manga: In Seinen manga (manga for adult men) or psychological thrillers, characters often analyze each other's motives. A villain might be described as 'rikoteki' to emphasize their cold, calculating nature. Unlike a 'wagamama' character who might just be bratty, a 'rikoteki' character is often portrayed as logically choosing their own benefit over others.

In academic settings, particularly in psychology, sociology, and biology, rikoteki is a technical term. For example, the famous book The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins is translated into Japanese as 「利己的な遺伝子」 (Rikoteki-na Idenshi). Here, it doesn't mean the gene has a 'personality' that is mean; it refers to the biological drive for survival and replication. This scientific usage is very common in university lectures and documentaries about animal behavior or evolutionary theory.

生物学の授業で、利己的な行動の進化について学んだ。(In biology class, we learned about the evolution of selfish behavior.)

Workplace Dynamics: In a Japanese office, 'rikoteki' might be used in a performance review or a serious meeting about teamwork. If a project fails because one person refused to share information, the post-mortem report might describe that person's actions as 'rikoteki,' signaling a serious breach of professional ethics.

Interestingly, you might also hear this word in song lyrics, particularly in J-Rock or Indie music, where themes of isolation, individualism, and the struggle against societal expectations are common. A songwriter might describe themselves as 'rikoteki' as a form of self-deprecation or to express a sense of being misunderstood by a world that demands total self-sacrifice. In this context, it takes on a more poetic, brooding quality. Whether in a textbook or a rock song, rikoteki signals a deep dive into the human ego.

The most common mistake English speakers make with 利己的な (Rikoteki-na) is overusing it in casual situations. In English, 'selfish' is a versatile word. If your friend eats the last slice of pizza, you might say, 'That's so selfish!' in a joking way. If you use rikoteki-na in this situation in Japanese, it will sound incredibly heavy and awkward, as if you are accusing them of having a deep-seated character flaw. For lighthearted or everyday selfishness, the correct word is わがまま (wagamama).

❌ Incorrect: ピザを全部食べるなんて、利己的だね！(Eating all the pizza is 'rikoteki'!)
✅ Correct: ピザを全部食べるなんて、わがままだね！(Eating all the pizza is 'wagamama'!)

Confusion with 'Self-Centered': Another similar word is 'jiko-chuushinteki' (自己中心的な), often shortened to 'jiko-chuu.' While 'rikoteki' focuses on the benefit (profit) one seeks, 'jiko-chuu' focuses on the perspective (the world revolves around me). Use 'rikoteki' for greed-driven actions and 'jiko-chuu' for someone who is oblivious to others' feelings.

Another mistake is grammatical: treating rikoteki like an i-adjective. Because it ends in 'ki,' some learners mistakenly think they can say 'rikotekikatta' for the past tense. This is incorrect. As a na-adjective, the past tense must be 'rikoteki datta' or 'rikoteki deshita.' Similarly, the negative form must use 'dewa nai' or 'janai.' Paying attention to the 'na' suffix is the best way to avoid these morphological errors.

❌ Incorrect: 彼は利己的かった。(He was 'rikoteki-atta'.)
✅ Correct: 彼は利己的だった。(He was 'rikoteki datta'.)

Register Mismatch: Using 'rikoteki' in a children's story or when talking to a child can feel out of place. It's like using the word 'egocentric' or 'utilitarian' with a five-year-old. Stick to simpler terms like 'jibun-katte' (doing as one pleases) for younger audiences.

Finally, be careful not to confuse rikoteki with kojin-shugi (individualism). In Western cultures, individualism is often seen as a positive trait (independence). However, in Japan, kojin-shugi can sometimes be used interchangeably with rikoteki to imply that being 'individualistic' is the same as being 'selfish.' When translating, consider whether the speaker is praising independence or criticizing a lack of social harmony.

To master 利己的な (Rikoteki-na), you must understand its place in the ecosystem of Japanese words for 'selfishness.' Each word has a specific flavor and register. While rikoteki is the most intellectual and formal, others are more suited for daily life or specific types of behavior. Understanding these differences will help you sound more like a native speaker and less like a dictionary.

利己的 (Rikoteki) vs. わがまま (Wagamama): Rikoteki: Formal, analytical, describes a person's nature or a calculated motive. (e.g., 'He has a selfish philosophy.')
Wagamama: Casual, emotional, describes a person's behavior or a spoiled attitude. (e.g., 'The child is being selfish.')

彼はわがままに育ったが、根は利己的ではない。(He was raised to be spoiled/selfish, but at his core, he isn't egoistic.)

Another common alternative is 自己中心的な (Jiko-chuushinteki), often abbreviated as jiko-chuu. This word literally means 'self-centered.' The difference lies in the focus: rikoteki is about the gain (I want the money), while jiko-chuushinteki is about the lack of awareness (I didn't realize you were waiting). If someone is talking loudly on a train, they are being jiko-chuu. If someone betrays a partner for a promotion, they are being rikoteki.

利己的 (Rikoteki) vs. 自己中心的 (Jiko-chuushinteki): Rikoteki: Focus on profit/benefit. Often implies a conscious choice.
Jiko-chuushinteki: Focus on the center of the universe. Often implies a lack of empathy or awareness.

For a more colloquial but still biting term, you can use 自分勝手な (Jibun-katte-na). This is very common in spoken Japanese and means 'doing things one's own way' without regard for others. It's more aggressive than wagamama but less clinical than rikoteki. If someone cancels plans at the last minute for no reason, you would call them jibun-katte.

そんな自分勝手なことはやめてください。(Please stop doing such selfish things.)

In literary contexts, you might see エゴイスティック (Egoistic), which is a loanword from English. It is used much like rikoteki but often appears in modern novels or fashion/art contexts where Western psychological terms are trendy. By knowing this spectrum—from the childish wagamama to the casual jibun-katte, the oblivious jiko-chuu, and finally the analytical rikoteki—you can navigate Japanese social critiques with precision and confidence.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The kanji '己' (ko/onore) originally depicted a coiled thread or a person bending, representing the individual. The kanji '利' (ri) depicts a knife next to grain, symbolizing the harvesting of crops—hence, 'profit' or 'benefit.'

発音ガイド

UK /ri.ko.te.ki.na/

US /ri.ko.te.ki.na/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. For 'rikoteki', the pitch is relatively flat with a slight drop after 'ko'. RI-KO-te-ki-na.

韻が合う語

teki (的な) geki (劇) reki (歴) heki (壁) seki (席) deki (出来) eki (駅) shiteki (指摘)

よくある間違い

Stressing one syllable like 'ri-KO-teki' (English-style stress).
Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' with curled tongue.
Making the 'i' sounds too long like 'ree-koo'.
Forgetting the 'na' when modifying a noun.
Treating it like an i-adjective (e.g., rikotekikatta).

難易度

読解 7/5

Kanji are common but abstract. Requires understanding of 'na-adjective' syntax.

ライティング 6/5

Writing '己' and '的' is easy; '利' requires some practice.

スピーキング 5/5

Five syllables make it a bit of a mouthful, but the pronunciation is straightforward.

リスニング 6/5

Can be confused with other 'ri' or 'ko' words if not heard clearly.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

自分 (jibun) 利益 (rieki) 目的 (mokuteki) 考え (kangae) 性格 (seikaku)

次に学ぶ

利他的 (ritateki) 主義 (shugi) 倫理 (rinri) 葛藤 (kattou) 道徳 (doutoku)

上級

排他的 (haitateki - exclusive) 恣意的 (shiiteki - arbitrary) 功利主義 (kourishugi - utilitarianism)

知っておくべき文法

Na-Adjectives (Keiyodoshi)

利己的な人 (A selfish person), 利己的だ (Is selfish).

Adverbial form with 'ni'

利己的に考える (To think selfishly).

Negative form 'dewa nai'

彼は利己的ではない (He is not selfish).

Noun formation with 'shugi'

利己主義 (Selfishness/Egoism).

Suffix 'teki' (的な)

Turning a noun into an adjective-like concept.

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レベル別の例文

利己的な考えはやめましょう。

Let's stop selfish thinking.

Uses 'na' to connect the adjective to the noun 'kangae' (thought).

彼は少し利己的です。

He is a bit selfish.

Standard 'desu' ending for a na-adjective.

利己的な人は好きではありません。

I don't like selfish people.

Negative sentence structure with 'suki dewa arimasen'.

それは利己的な理由ですね。

That is a selfish reason, isn't it?

The particle 'ne' adds a sense of seeking agreement.

利己的な行動はよくないです。

Selfish behavior is not good.

Simple subject-predicate structure.

あまり利己的にならないで。

Don't be so selfish.

Uses 'ni naru' (to become) in the negative request form.

利己的な男がいました。

There was a selfish man.

Past tense 'imashita' for existence.

彼女は利己的な人じゃない。

She is not a selfish person.

Informal negative 'janai'.

利己的な態度をとるのはやめてください。

Please stop taking a selfish attitude.

The phrase 'taido o toru' means 'to take an attitude'.

彼は自分のことしか考えない利己的な人間だ。

He is a selfish person who only thinks of himself.

Relative clause 'jibun no koto shika kanganai' modifies 'ningen'.

利己的な目的のために嘘をついた。

I told a lie for a selfish purpose.

The particle 'no tame ni' expresses purpose.

どうしてそんなに利己的なの？

Why are you so selfish?

The 'no' at the end makes it an explanatory question.

利己的な行動は、友達を失う原因になります。

Selfish behavior causes you to lose friends.

Uses 'gen'in ni naru' (becomes the cause).

あの政治家は利己的だと言われています。

That politician is said to be selfish.

Passive form 'iwarete imasu' (is being said).

利己的な考えを捨てるのは難しい。

It is difficult to throw away selfish thoughts.

The nominalizer 'no' turns the verb phrase into a noun.

もっと利己的ではない生き方をしたい。

I want to live a life that is not selfish.

The negative 'dewa nai' modifies 'ikikata'.

彼女の決断は、一見利己的に見えるが、実はチームのためだった。

Her decision seems selfish at first glance, but it was actually for the team.

Uses 'ni mieru' (looks like/seems).

利己的な動機で始めたことが、結果的に社会の役に立った。

Something started with a selfish motive ended up being useful to society.

Adverbial 'kekka-teki ni' (as a result).

現代の若者は利己的だという批判があるが、それは本当だろうか。

There is a criticism that modern youth are selfish, but is that true?

Quotative 'to iu' used for the content of the criticism.

彼は利己的な振る舞いによって、信頼を完全に失った。

He completely lost trust due to his selfish behavior.

The particle 'ni yotte' indicates the cause or means.

利己的な遺伝子の理論について、本で読みました。

I read about the theory of the selfish gene in a book.

Common scientific term used as a noun phrase.

あまりにも利己的な要求だったので、断るしかなかった。

It was such a selfish request that I had no choice but to refuse.

Uses 'shika nakatta' (had no choice but to...).

利己的な人々と付き合うのは、精神的に疲れます。

Associating with selfish people is mentally exhausting.

The verb 'tsukiau' (to associate/date) used with 'no wa'.

教育の目的は、利己的な子供を育てることではない。

The purpose of education is not to raise selfish children.

Negative 'dewa nai' at the end of the sentence.

資本主義社会においては、ある程度の利己的な行動は避けられない。

In a capitalist society, a certain degree of selfish behavior is unavoidable.

The formal expression 'ni oite wa' (in/at).

彼の利己的な性格が災いして、結婚生活は長く続かなかった。

His selfish personality caused trouble, and the marriage didn't last long.

The verb 'wazawai-shite' means 'to cause misfortune'.

利己的な欲望を抑え、公共の利益を優先すべきだ。

We should suppress selfish desires and prioritize public interest.

Uses 'subeki da' (should/ought to).

その小説の主人公は、極めて利己的だが、どこか憎めない。

The protagonist of that novel is extremely selfish, but somehow likable.

The phrase 'dokoka nikumenai' means 'somehow hard to hate'.

利己的な考えに固執すると、周囲との摩擦が生じる。

If you cling to selfish thoughts, friction with those around you will arise.

Conditional 'to' used for cause and effect.

環境破壊の背景には、人間の利己的な経済活動がある。

Behind environmental destruction lies human selfish economic activity.

The noun 'haikei' (background) sets the context.

利己的に振る舞うことが、必ずしも個人の幸福につながるとは限らない。

Acting selfishly does not necessarily lead to individual happiness.

The structure 'towa kagiranai' (not necessarily).

利己的な動機を隠して、彼は慈善活動に参加した。

Hiding his selfish motives, he participated in charitable activities.

Uses the te-form 'kakushite' to link actions.

純粋な利他主義など存在せず、すべては形を変えた利己的な行動に過ぎないという説がある。

There is a theory that pure altruism does not exist and everything is merely selfish behavior in a different form.

Uses 'ni suginai' (nothing more than/merely).

利己的なナショナリズムの台頭が、国際秩序を脅かしている。

The rise of selfish nationalism is threatening the international order.

The noun 'taitō' (rise/emergence) is formal.

彼は利己的な打算に基づいて、その契約を結んだ形跡がある。

There are traces that he entered into the contract based on selfish calculations.

The phrase 'ni motozuite' means 'based on'.

組織のリーダーが利己的であれば、その組織は早晩崩壊するだろう。

If the leader of an organization is selfish, that organization will collapse sooner or later.

The adverb 'shōban' (sooner or later) is high-level.

利己的な衝動を理性で制御することこそが、文明人の証である。

It is precisely the control of selfish impulses with reason that is the mark of a civilized person.

The particle 'koso' emphasizes the preceding noun.

自国の利益のみを追求する利己的な外交政策は、長期的には孤立を招く。

A selfish foreign policy that pursues only one's own country's interests leads to isolation in the long run.

The verb 'maneku' (to invite/lead to) is often used for negative outcomes.

利己的な感情を排し、客観的な視点から事態を分析する必要がある。

It is necessary to exclude selfish emotions and analyze the situation from an objective perspective.

The verb 'haisu' (to exclude/reject) is very formal.

人間の本質が利己的であるという前提に立てば、この経済モデルは成立する。

If we assume that human nature is inherently selfish, this economic model holds true.

The phrase 'zentei ni tateba' means 'if we stand on the premise'.

夏目漱石の作品群には、近代知識人が直面した利己的な自我と倫理的責務の葛藤が克明に描かれている。

The works of Natsume Soseki vividly depict the conflict between the selfish ego and ethical duties faced by modern intellectuals.

The adverb 'kokumei ni' (vividly/minutely) is literary.

心理学的利己主義の観点からすれば、聖人君子の振る舞いもまた自己満足の追求に帰結する。

From the perspective of psychological egoism, even the behavior of a saint ultimately results in the pursuit of self-satisfaction.

The verb 'kiketsu suru' (to result in/conclude) is academic.

グローバル資本主義が、個人の利己的な欲望を際限なく増幅させている現状は看過できない。

The current situation where global capitalism is boundlessly amplifying individuals' selfish desires cannot be overlooked.

The verb 'kanka dekinai' (cannot be overlooked/ignored) is formal.

利己的なバイアスを完全に排除して事象を認識することは、認識論的に不可能に近い。

It is nearly epistemologically impossible to perceive phenomena by completely eliminating selfish biases.

The adverb 'ninshikiron-teki ni' (epistemologically) is highly specialized.

共同体の存続を脅かすほどの過度な利己的行動には、強力な社会的制裁が課されるべきだ。

Powerful social sanctions should be imposed on excessive selfish behavior that threatens the survival of the community.

The verb 'kaseru' (to impose) is used for taxes or sanctions.

利己的な動機と利他的な結果が奇妙に同居する様を、アダム・スミスは『見えざる手』と呼んだ。

Adam Smith called the state where selfish motives and altruistic results strangely coexist the 'Invisible Hand.'

The noun 'sama' (state/appearance) is used here in a literary way.

現代哲学において、利己的な主体の解体と他者への開放は、最も重要な議論の一つである。

In modern philosophy, the deconstruction of the selfish subject and the opening toward the 'other' is one of the most important debates.

The noun 'kaitai' (deconstruction/dismantling) is a philosophical term.

利己的な生の本能をいかにして超越するかが、宗教的救済の核心的な問いである。

How to transcend the selfish instinct of life is the core question of religious salvation.

The phrase 'ikanishite... ka' (how to...) forms an indirect question.

よく使う組み合わせ

利己的な理由

利己的な動機

利己的な人間

利己的な考え

利己的な振る舞い

利己的な目的

利己的な遺伝子

利己的な態度

利己的な愛

利己的な要求

よく使うフレーズ

利己的に振る舞う

— To act in a selfish manner. Often used to describe a specific instance of selfishness.

彼は自分の昇進のために利己的に振る舞った。

利己的な考えに陥る

— To fall into a selfish way of thinking. Suggests it happened unintentionally.

苦しい時は、つい利己的な考えに陥りがちだ。

利己的な判断を下す

— To make a selfish judgment/decision. Used in formal or professional contexts.

リーダーが利己的な判断を下すと、部下はついてこない。

利己的な一面

— A selfish side (of someone). Used when describing a person who isn't always selfish.

彼女には意外と利己的な一面がある。

利己的な動機を隠す

— To hide one's selfish motives. Implies deception.

彼は利己的な動機を隠して、親切を装った。

利己的な願望

— A selfish desire or wish. Often used in psychological contexts.

誰にでも利己的な願望はあるものだ。

利己的な行動を慎む

— To refrain from selfish behavior. A formal warning or advice.

共同生活では利己的な行動を慎まなければならない。

利己的な利益の追求

— The pursuit of selfish interests/profits. Used in economics or politics.

利己的な利益の追求が、格差を広げている。

利己的な見方

— A selfish viewpoint or perspective.

それはあまりにも利己的な見方ではないですか。

利己的なバイアス

— Selfish bias. A term used in psychology and decision-making.

私たちは無意識のうちに利己的なバイアスを持っている。

よく混同される語

利己的な vs わがまま (Wagamama)

Wagamama is emotional and childish. Rikoteki is logical and profit-driven.

利己的な vs 自己中心的 (Jiko-chuushinteki)

Jiko-chuushinteki is about perspective (self-centered). Rikoteki is about benefit (selfish).

利己的な vs 独善的 (Dokuzenteki)

Dokuzenteki means 'self-righteous.' Thinking only your own morals are correct.

慣用句と表現

"我田引水"

— Drawing water to one's own field. This four-character idiom (yojijukugo) describes acting purely for one's own benefit.

彼の提案は、結局のところ我田引水だ。

Formal/Idiomatic

"自分勝手"

— Acting according to one's own convenience. While technically a na-adjective, it functions as a common idiom for selfishness.

自分勝手な振る舞いは許されない。

Neutral

"身勝手"

— Similar to 'jibun-katte,' but slightly more formal. Often used in legal or serious social contexts.

身勝手な犯行に、社会が震撼した。

Formal

"自分さえ良ければいい"

— As long as I'm okay, it's fine. A phrase that perfectly captures the spirit of 'rikoteki.'

「自分さえ良ければいい」という考え方は危険だ。

Common

"エゴをむき出しにする"

— To expose one's ego. Used when someone stops hiding their selfishness.

彼は交渉の土壇場でエゴをむき出しにした。

Neutral

"私利私欲に走る"

— To be driven by personal interest and greed. A strong literary expression.

彼は権力を得てから、私利私欲に走った。

Literary

"自分の殻に閉じこもる"

— To withdraw into one's shell. Can imply a selfish refusal to interact with or help others.

彼は利己的に自分の殻に閉じこもっている。

Common

"手前勝手"

— Selfish; self-centered. A slightly older or more formal version of 'jibun-katte.'

手前勝手な言い分は通らない。

Formal

"独占欲"

— Desire for monopoly/possessiveness. A specific type of selfishness related to ownership.

彼の利己的な独占欲が、彼女を苦しめた。

Neutral

"他人の痛みを知らない"

— Not knowing others' pain. A description of a selfish person's lack of empathy.

利己的な人は、他人の痛みを知らない。

Common

間違えやすい

利己的な vs 利己主義 (Rikoshugi)

It is the noun form of the adjective.

Rikoteki is the adjective (selfish), while Rikoshugi is the noun/philosophy (selfishness/egoism).

彼は利己主義者だ。(He is an egoist.)

利己的な vs 利権 (Riken)

Both start with 'ri' (profit).

Riken refers to 'rights and interests' or 'concessions' in a political/business sense, not a personality trait.

利権を争う。(To fight for rights and interests.)

利己的な vs 自我的 (Jigateki)

Both relate to the 'self.'

Jigateki means 'egoistic' in a sense of having a strong self-identity, not necessarily being mean or greedy.

自我的な成長。(Egoistic/Self-growth.)

利己的な vs 勝手 (Katte)

Often used for 'selfish.'

Katte is more about doing things without permission or 'as one pleases.'

勝手なことをするな。(Don't do things without permission.)

利己的な vs 強欲 (Goyoku)

Both imply wanting things for oneself.

Goyoku is 'greed'—wanting MORE than one needs. Rikoteki is just wanting things for oneself regardless of others.

強欲な金貸し。(A greedy moneylender.)

文型パターン

[Person]は利己的だ。

あの人は利己的だ。

利己的な[Noun]はよくない。

利己的な考えはよくない。

利己的に[Verb]。

利己的に振る舞う。

利己的だと言わざるを得ない。

彼の行動は利己的だと言わざるを得ない。

[Noun]は利己的な動機に基づいている。

その計画は利己的な動機に基づいている。

利己的なあまり、[Result]。

利己的なあまり、周りが見えなくなっている。

利己的な側面を否定できない。

その政策には利己的な側面を否定できない。

利己的な主体の再構築を図る。

論文では利己的な主体の再構築を図っている。

語族

名詞

利己主義 (rikoshugi - egoism)

利己心 (rikoshin - selfish spirit/ego)

自己 (jiko - self)

利益 (rieki - profit/benefit)

動詞

利する (risuru - to benefit/profit)

己を律する (onore o rissuru - to control oneself)

形容詞

利己的 (rikoteki - selfish/egoistic)

利他的人物 (ritateki na jinbutsu - altruistic person)

使い方

frequency

Common in media, literature, and formal discussions; rare in daily casual speech.

よくある間違い

Using 'rikoteki' for a child refusing to share. → Use 'wagamama' instead.
'Rikoteki' is too formal and adult for a child's behavior.
Saying 'rikoteki-i' like an i-adjective. → Say 'rikoteki-na' or 'rikoteki-da'.
It is a na-adjective. It does not follow i-adjective conjugation rules.
Confusing 'rikoteki' with 'jiko-chuu' in serious writing. → Use 'rikoteki' for profit-driven motives.
'Jiko-chuu' is slightly more colloquial and focuses on self-centeredness rather than greed.
Writing '己' as '已' (already) or '巳' (snake). → The bottom line of '己' does not cross or close.
These three kanji are very similar and frequently confused by learners.
Using 'rikoteki' as a compliment for being independent. → Use 'kojin-shugi' or 'jiritsu-shita'.
'Rikoteki' is almost always negative in Japan. It is not 'empowered' selfishness.

ヒント

Context Matters

Always consider the weight of the word. Calling a coworker 'rikoteki' is a serious accusation that can damage relationships permanently.

Don't forget the 'Na'

When 'rikoteki' comes before a noun, you MUST use 'na.' Forgetting it is a common beginner mistake.

Learn the Pair

Learn 'rikoteki' (selfish) and 'ritateki' (altruistic) together. They are like two sides of a coin in Japanese ethics.

Harmony vs. Self

In Japan, the group often comes first. 'Rikoteki' behavior is seen as a threat to this social harmony.

Identify the Kanji

Look for 己 (self). If you see it combined with 利 (profit), you know the word is about selfishness.

Softening the Blow

If you must use it, add 'chotto' (a bit) or 'amari' (not very) to soften the critique: 'Chotto rikoteki kamo...' (Maybe a bit selfish...).

Essay Power

This word is great for JLPT N2 and N1 level essays. It shows you have a sophisticated vocabulary for discussing human nature.

Drama Keywords

When you hear 'rikoteki' in a drama, it's usually a turning point in a relationship or a character reveal.

The Profit Self

Remember: RI (Profit) + KO (Self) = Rikoteki. It's the 'Profit-Self' person.

Clinical Tone

Think of 'rikoteki' as 'egoistic' rather than just 'selfish.' It sounds more like a psychological description.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'RI' as 'Rich' and 'KO' as 'Company' (of one). A 'RI-KO' person wants to be 'Rich' in their own 'Company' only. They are 'TEKI' (target/type) for selfishness.

視覚的連想

Imagine a person sitting on a huge pile of 'RI' (gold coins) saying 'This is for KO (me)!' with a 'TEKI' (target) on their chest because everyone is mad at them.

Word Web

利 (Profit) 己 (Self) 的 (Adjective) 利己主義 (Egoism) 利他主義 (Altruism) 自己 (Self) 利益 (Benefit) 私利私欲 (Self-interest)

チャレンジ

Try to find three examples of 'rikoteki' characters in a Japanese drama. Write down why their actions were 'rikoteki' rather than just 'wagamama.'

語源

The word is a Sinitic compound (kango) that gained prominence in the modern era as a translation for Western psychological and philosophical terms like 'egoistic.'

元の意味： The combination of 'benefit' (利) and 'self' (己) literally means 'benefiting the self.'

Japonic (Sino-Japanese vocabulary).

文化的な背景

Be careful when using this to describe someone's culture or nationality, as it can sound like a xenophobic stereotype about individualism.

English speakers often use 'selfish' lightly. In Japanese, 'rikoteki' is rarely light. It is a character judgment.

The Selfish Gene (利己的な遺伝子) by Richard Dawkins. Kokoro (こころ) by Natsume Soseki (explores the 'ego' and selfishness). Hanzawa Naoki (drama where 'rikoteki' villains are common).

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Psychology/Personality

利己的な性格
利己的な衝動
エゴの肥大
自己愛

Business/Ethics

利己的な利益追求
不当な利得
誠実義務
コンプライアンス

Literature/Fiction

利己的な主人公
内面の葛藤
裏切り
冷酷な

Social Critique

利己的な個人主義
公共心の欠如
マナー違反
格差社会

Biology/Science

利己的な遺伝子
生存戦略
自然淘汰
繁殖

会話のきっかけ

"利己的な人とどうやって付き合えばいいと思いますか？ (How do you think we should deal with selfish people?)"

"人間は本質的に利己的な生き物だと思いますか？ (Do you think humans are inherently selfish creatures?)"

"利己的な行動が許されるのは、どんな時だと思いますか？ (When do you think selfish behavior is permissible?)"

"最近の社会は、以前よりも利己的になっていると感じますか？ (Do you feel modern society is becoming more selfish than before?)"

"『利己的な遺伝子』という本を読んだことがありますか？ (Have you ever read the book 'The Selfish Gene'?)"

日記のテーマ

自分が利己的に振る舞ってしまった時のことを書いてください。 (Write about a time when you acted selfishly.)

利己的なリーダーと利他的なリーダー、どちらが組織に必要だと思いますか？ (Which do you think an organization needs: a selfish leader or an altruistic one?)

あなたの周りにいる「利己的な人」の共通点は何ですか？ (What are the common traits of the 'selfish people' around you?)

「利己的であること」と「自分を大切にすること」の違いは何だと思いますか？ (What is the difference between 'being selfish' and 'taking care of oneself'?)

もし世界中の人が利己的だったら、社会はどうなると思いますか？ (What would happen to society if everyone in the world were selfish?)

よくある質問

10 問

In general Japanese usage, yes, it has a negative connotation. It implies a lack of concern for others. However, in philosophy or biology, it can be used neutrally to describe the drive for self-preservation.

Yes, if you are being self-deprecating or analyzing your own flaws in a serious way. For example, 'Watashi wa rikoteki na ningen desu' (I am a selfish person).

The most direct academic opposite is 'ritateki' (利他的 - altruistic). In casual speech, you might use 'yasashii' (kind) or 'omoiyari no aru' (thoughtful).

It is a na-adjective. You say 'rikoteki na hito' and 'rikoteki desu.' You never add 'i' to the end.

Use 'wagamama' for friends, children, or when someone is being fussy/spoiled. Use 'rikoteki' for serious character flaws or calculated greed.

Not exactly. 'Jiko-chuu' is short for 'jiko-chuushinteki' (self-centered). While related, it focuses more on being oblivious to others rather than being profit-driven.

Yes, it is often used to describe companies that prioritize profit over the environment or their employees.

The kanji is 己. It has 3 strokes. It looks like a simplified 'S' shape. Be careful not to confuse it with 已 or 巳.

Yes, especially in 'Seinen' anime or psychological thrillers where characters have complex, often dark, motivations.

No, but being 'rikoteki' can result in being 'kodoku' (lonely) because people might avoid you.

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