Translation guide
This English phrase means to do what you want, often despite others' wishes. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various expressions convey the idea of acting selfishly, getting one's way, or doing as one pleases.
Expressing that someone acts according to their own desires, often ignoring others.
Literally 'to say selfish things', this is the most common way to say someone is being selfish or demanding their own way. It can be used for both children and adults.
彼はいつもわがままを言う。
He always has his own way.
そんなにわがままを言わないで。
Don't be so selfish (don't insist on having your own way).
Focusing on the outcome of having one's desires fulfilled, often after negotiation or persistence.
Means 'to go as one wishes' or 'to turn out as one wants'. Used when things happen according to one's plan.
今回は彼の思い通りになった。
This time he had his own way.
There is no direct Japanese verb phrase that corresponds to 'have one's own way'. Translating it word-for-word will result in unnatural Japanese. Instead, use the expressions above depending on the nuance.
Both mean selfish, but わがまま is often used for childish or emotional selfishness, while 自分勝手 (じぶんかって) implies a more calculated, self-centered attitude. For 'have one's own way', わがまま is more common.
彼は自分勝手な人だ。
He is a self-centered person.
Means 'to do things exactly as one wishes'. It emphasizes getting one's way in a situation.
彼は何でも自分の思い通りにする。
He has his own way in everything.
Implies doing whatever one likes, often with a nuance of disregarding rules or others' opinions. Slightly more negative than わがまま.
彼女は好き勝手に振る舞っている。
She is having her own way (acting as she pleases).
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'selfishness' or 'willfulness'. Can be used to describe a person or behavior.
あの子は本当にわがままだ。
That child really has his own way (is very selfish).
Literally 'to push through one's will', this is a more stubborn, determined way of having one's own way, often against opposition.
彼は最後まで意地を通した。
He had his own way to the very end.
Means 'to do as one is told' or 'to be at someone's beck and call'. Often used when someone else is having their way with you.
彼は妻の言いなりになっている。
He lets his wife have her own way.
Means 'to push through' one's opinion or desire, often forcefully. Implies overcoming resistance.
彼は自分の意見を押し通した。
He had his own way (pushed through his opinion).