In English, the words "selfish" and "greedy" are often confused, but they have subtle yet important differences. A selfish person prioritizes their own needs and desires above others', sometimes disregarding their well-being. A greedy person, on the other hand, wants more and more of something, often to an excessive degree, and frequently at the expense of others. It's not just about wanting more; it's about wanting it all for themselves.
Let's look at some examples:
Selfish:
English: "He was selfish and didn't share his toys with his sister." Italian: "Era egoista e non condivideva i suoi giocattoli con sua sorella."
English: "She's a bit selfish; she always wants to win." Italian: "Lei รจ un po' egoista; vuole sempre vincere."
Greedy:
English: "The greedy man wanted all the gold in the world." Italian: "L'uomo avido voleva tutto l'oro del mondo."
English: "He was greedy for power and influence." Italian: "Era avido di potere e influenza."
Notice how the first examples focus on prioritizing one's own needs over others, whereas the second examples emphasize an excessive wanting. The core difference lies in the motivation behind the action: selfishness is about prioritizing the self, while greed is about wanting more, often to the detriment of others. By understanding these subtleties, you can use these words more precisely in your English conversations. Happy learning!