Translation guide
This concept covers acting freely, without restraint, according to one's own will or desires. Japanese expressions range from neutral descriptions of freedom to negative connotations of selfishness.
Describing someone who does whatever they want, often with a positive or neutral nuance of freedom.
A common, neutral way to say 'do as one likes'. Can be used in many contexts.
週末は好きなように過ごしています。
I spend my weekends doing as I please.
Emphasizes freedom. Often used when giving someone permission to act freely.
どうぞご自由にしてください。
Please do as you please.
Literary or formal expression meaning 'act as one wishes'. Not common in daily conversation.
彼は思いのままに行動した。
He acted as he pleased.
Describing behavior that is willful, self-centered, or disregarding others.
Means 'to be selfish' or 'to act selfishly'. Commonly used for children or adults who insist on their own way.
彼はいつもわがままをしている。
He's always doing as he pleases (selfishly).
Implies doing as one pleases without consulting others, often with a negative nuance of 'going ahead on one's own'.
もう勝手にしろ！
Do as you please! (angry tone)
Describing a lifestyle or philosophy of independence and self-determination.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to go one's own way', often with a positive connotation of independence.
彼は人の意見に左右されず、自分の道を行く。
He goes his own way, doing as he pleases, without being swayed by others.
Borrowed from English 'my pace', meaning to live at one's own pace, doing things as one pleases without pressure.
彼女はいつもマイペースで生きている。
She always lives life on her own terms.
Be careful with context. '好きなようにする' can be neutral or positive, while '勝手にする' often sounds negative or angry. 'わがまま' is clearly negative (selfish).
'自由にする' emphasizes freedom and permission, while '勝手にする' implies acting without permission or consideration. Use '自由' for positive freedom, '勝手' for willful disregard.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'selfishness' or 'doing as one pleases without regard for others'.
自分勝手な行動はやめてください。
Please stop doing as you please (selfishly).