Meaning
无私 describes someone who acts without selfish motives or personal gain, putting others' interests before their own. It's a highly positive moral quality in Chinese culture, often used to praise people who make sacrifices for the collective good or help others without expecting anything in return.
Usage
This word carries strong positive connotations and is frequently used in formal contexts, moral discussions, and when praising someone's character. It commonly appears in phrases like 无私奉献 (selfless dedication) and is often used to describe teachers, parents, volunteers, or public servants who work for others' benefit.
Examples
- 01母亲对孩子的爱是无私的。.A mother's love for her children is selfless.
- 02他一生无私奉献给教育事业。.He dedicated his whole life selflessly to the cause of education.
Characters
Common collocations
- 无私奉献selfless dedication
- 无私的爱selfless love
- 大公无私utterly devoted to public interests
- 无私精神spirit of selflessness
Antonyms
Origin
The word literally means 'without selfishness,' combining 无 (without) and 私 (private/selfish interests). This construction clearly conveys the meaning of lacking self-centered motives.