私
private; selfish; secret; illegal
Meanings
4 senses · 20 examplesadjective
private; personal; for individual use
Used to describe things related to an individual rather than the public or organization.
This is my personal business, don't interfere.
Please don't open and read other people's private letters without permission.
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The private property of this company is protected by law.
Handling personal matters as official work may affect efficiency.
He put all his personal items in the drawer.
adjective
selfish; self-serving
Describes a person who only cares about their own interests and ignores others.
He is so selfish that he never shares his things.
People with too much selfishness can hardly make true friends.
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We should learn his spirit of being completely selfless.
Selfish and self-serving behaviors will make everyone disgusted.
His selfishness was fully exposed, and everyone saw his true face clearly.
adverb
secretly; privately; in private
Used to describe actions done without others knowing or in a private setting.
This journalist has secretly visited many poor areas.
The two of them were whispering in the corner.
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He told me his real thoughts in private.
We can contact privately without discussing in public.
He secretly found out the background of the other party.
adjective
illegal; secret and unlawful
formalUsed to describe goods, transactions or activities that are conducted secretly and violate laws or regulations.
The police seized a batch of smuggled goods.
In the past, selling salt privately was illegal.
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The two countries prohibit secret transmission of information.
He was sentenced to severe punishment for secretly communicating with the enemy.
This underground private salt workshop was completely banned.