Translation guide
The English word 'egoistic' describes a self-centered attitude or behavior. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, nouns, and phrases that convey selfishness, self-importance, or prioritizing one's own desires. The most common and direct equivalent is わがまま, but other terms carry nuances of arrogance, self-conceit, or philosophical egoism.
Describing someone who acts according to their own desires without considering others, often in everyday situations.
The most common and versatile term for selfishness. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective. Often used for children or in personal relationships.
彼はわがままだ。
He is selfish.
わがままを言わないで。
Don't be selfish.
Literally 'self-convenient'. Emphasizes acting for one's own convenience without regard for others. Slightly stronger and more critical than わがまま.
自分勝手な行動はやめてください。
Please stop your selfish behavior.
A more formal, written term meaning 'self-interested' or 'egoistic'. Often used in ethical or psychological contexts.
利己的な動機で行動する。
Act from egoistic motives.
A direct loanword from English. Used in casual or trendy contexts, but less common than native terms.
彼のエゴイスティックな態度にはうんざりだ。
I'm fed up with his egoistic attitude.
Describing someone who has an inflated sense of their own importance or abilities, often looking down on others.
A common phrase meaning 'conceited' or 'full of oneself'. Literally 'strong self-conceit'.
彼はうぬぼれが強い。
He is egoistic and conceited.
Means 'self-centered' or 'egocentric'. Often used in psychology or to describe someone who sees everything from their own perspective.
自己中心的な考え方を改めるべきだ。
You should change your egoistic way of thinking.
A strong word for 'arrogant' or 'haughty'. Implies a superior attitude and lack of humility.
Referring to the ethical theory that self-interest is the foundation of morality.
The standard term for 'egoism' as a philosophical doctrine. Often used in academic contexts.
利己主義は倫理学の一つの立場だ。
Egoism is one position in ethics.
Loanword for 'egoism', used in philosophical or general discussions.
Both mean 'selfish', but わがまま is often used for childish or emotional selfishness (like demanding something), while 自分勝手 emphasizes acting for one's own convenience without considering others, and can sound more accusatory.
Directly translating 'egoistic' as エゴイスティック is possible but can sound unnatural or overly trendy. In most contexts, わがまま or 自分勝手 are more natural choices.
傲慢な態度をとるな。
Don't take an egoistic, arrogant attitude.
彼の行動はエゴイズムに基づいている。
His actions are based on egoism.