How to Pronounce Selfish

To pronounce "selfish", say SELF-ish — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈsɛlfɪʃ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

selfish

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈsɛlfɪʃ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “selfish”

"selfish" has 2 syllables: self-ish. It rhymes with elfish and swellfish, if that helps it stick.

What does selfish mean?

adjective

  1. Holding one's own self-interest as the standard for decision making.
  2. Having regard for oneself above others’ well-being.

Synonyms

egoisticegotisticegotisticalgreedyself-centered

Antonyms

altruisticphilanthropicselflessunselfish

Hear “selfish” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with selfish

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

elfishswellfishpelfish

Related words

self-seekingself-servingegotisticegotisticalnarcissisticungenerousstingyenvious

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "selfish"?▾

"Selfish" has 2 syllables: self · ish.

What is the IPA transcription of "selfish"?▾

The IPA transcription of "selfish" is /ˈsɛlfɪʃ/.

What does "selfish" mean?▾

Selfish: Holding one's own self-interest as the standard for decision making.

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