损人利己

• Pinyin: sǔn rén lì jǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 损 = 扌+ 员; 人 = person; 利 = 禾 (grain) + 刂 (knife); 己 = pictograph of self

Meaning

To benefit oneself at others' expense. Describes selfish behavior that harms others for personal gain.

A four-character idiom criticizing actions that sacrifice others' interests for one's own benefit. Strongly negative connotation. Used to condemn unethical business practices, workplace politics, or personal behavior.

Examples

1. 他那种损人利己的做法，迟早会失去所有朋友的信任。 His selfish behavior that harms others will sooner or later cost him everyone's trust.
2. 在商业竞争中，靠损人利己获得的短期利益往往得不偿失。 In business competition, short-term gains from exploiting others often aren't worth the cost.
3. 我们反对任何损人利己的行为，团队合作才是长远之道。 We oppose any behavior that benefits oneself at others' expense — teamwork is the path forward.

Usage Guide

Context: moral criticism, business ethics

Tone: critical

Do Say

• 这种损人利己的事我不干。(I won't do something that benefits me at others' expense.)
• 损人利己的人走不远。(People who exploit others won't get far.)

Don't Say

• 用'损人利己'形容小孩不分享玩具 (Don't use this weighty idiom for trivial matters like kids not sharing toys)

Origin & History

损 means to harm, 人 means others, 利 means to benefit, 己 means oneself. The phrase literally means 'harm others, benefit self.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal