Translation guide
This English phrase describes acting based on personal, often unpredictable desires or impulses. In Japanese, it is expressed through adverbs, idiomatic phrases, and set expressions that convey doing things as one pleases, capriciously, or selfishly.
To describe doing something based on a sudden, often changing personal desire, without a fixed plan.
An adverb meaning 'as one pleases' or 'freely,' often with a nuance of doing things in a carefree, self-indulgent way. It can be positive or neutral.
彼は気ままに旅を続けた。
He continued his journey according to his own whims.
Literally 'as one's mood inclines,' this phrase emphasizes following one's momentary feelings or impulses. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
気の向くままに絵を描く。
I paint according to my whims.
A stronger, often negative expression meaning 'selfishly as one pleases,' implying disregard for others. Used when criticizing someone's self-centered behavior.
彼は勝手気ままに振る舞った。
He behaved according to his own whims, without considering others.
Means 'as one wishes' or 'as one thinks,' often used when someone acts freely according to their desires, especially in creative or expressive contexts.
思うままに歌を歌った。
I sang according to my whims.
To emphasize that choices are driven by subjective preference, not logic or external rules.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'in one's own preferred way.' It is neutral and commonly used in everyday conversation.
自分の好きなように部屋を飾った。
I decorated the room according to my own whims.
An adverb meaning 'selfishly' or 'for one's own convenience.' It carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of consideration for others.
自分勝手にルールを変えないでください。
Please don't change the rules according to your own whims.
To convey that someone's actions are inconsistent and change based on fleeting whims.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'whim,' 'caprice,' or 'fancy.' Often used to describe someone who is unpredictable or acts on a whim.
彼の行動は気まぐれだ。
His actions are according to his own whims.
Means 'depending on one's mood at the time.' It highlights that decisions are made spontaneously based on current feelings.
その時の気分で服を選ぶ。
I choose clothes according to my whims at the moment.
Directly translating 'according to one's own whims' word-for-word into Japanese will sound unnatural. Use the idiomatic phrases provided instead.
気まま (kimama) often has a neutral or slightly positive nuance of carefree independence, while 勝手 (katte) implies selfishness and disregard for others. Choose based on the intended tone.