Translation guide
The English word "unselfish" describes a person or action that prioritizes others' needs over one's own. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through adjectives, verbs, and descriptive phrases that emphasize selflessness, consideration, and putting others first.
To describe someone who consistently puts others before themselves, without expecting anything in return.
A noun or na-adjective meaning selflessness or being unselfish. It implies acting without personal interest. Often used in formal or written contexts.
彼の無私の行動に感動した。
I was moved by his unselfish actions.
A na-adjective meaning altruistic. It focuses on benefiting others, often used in psychological or philosophical contexts.
彼女はとても利他的な人だ。
She is a very unselfish person.
A phrase meaning "to prioritize others over oneself." It's a clear, natural way to describe unselfish behavior in everyday conversation.
彼はいつも自分より他人を優先する。
He always puts others before himself.
A na-adjective meaning self-sacrificing. It emphasizes giving up one's own interests for others, sometimes with a nuance of excessive sacrifice.
自己犠牲的な愛は美しい。
Self-sacrificing love is beautiful.
To describe a specific act that is done for others' benefit without selfish motives.
A phrase meaning "not seeking anything in return." It directly captures the unselfish nature of an action.
彼の見返りを求めない親切に感謝している。
I'm grateful for his unselfish kindness.
A na-adjective meaning devoted or dedicated. It implies wholehearted, selfless effort for someone or something.
彼女の献身的な看護で患者は回復した。
The patient recovered thanks to her unselfish nursing.
A phrase meaning "to devote oneself to others." It conveys unselfish service or effort.
彼は一生を人のために尽くした。
He devoted his life to helping others.
To talk about the idea of unselfishness in abstract terms.
A four-character compound meaning selfless and disinterested. It emphasizes complete absence of personal desire.
無私無欲の精神で奉仕する。
To serve with an unselfish spirit.
A noun meaning altruism. It's a philosophical term, less common in daily conversation.
利他主義は道徳の基礎だ。
Altruism is the foundation of morality.
The English word 'unselfish' does not have a single perfect equivalent in Japanese. Using a dictionary translation like '無私の' in casual speech may sound stiff or unnatural. Instead, describe the behavior or attitude with phrases like '自分より他人を優先する' or '見返りを求めない'.
献身的 (devoted) has a positive nuance of willing dedication, while 自己犠牲的 (self-sacrificing) can imply excessive sacrifice that may not be healthy. Choose based on whether you want to emphasize admirable devotion or potential over-sacrifice.