Translation guide
Describes a person who thinks primarily about themselves and their own needs, often at the expense of others. Japanese has several common expressions, ranging from direct adjectives to nuanced phrases about selfishness and ego.
Describing someone who is generally self-centered or selfish in personality.
The most direct translation. A na-adjective meaning 'self-centered' or 'egocentric'. Commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は自己中心的な人だ。
He is a self-centered person.
A na-adjective meaning 'selfish' or 'self-centered'. Emphasizes doing things one's own way without considering others. Very common in everyday speech.
自分勝手な行動はやめてください。
Please stop your selfish behavior.
A na-adjective meaning 'selfish', 'willful', or 'self-indulgent'. Often used for children or when someone insists on having their own way. Can be softer than 'self-centered'.
わがままを言わないで。
Don't be so selfish.
A na-adjective meaning 'selfish' or 'egoistic'. More formal and often used in written or analytical contexts. Emphasizes pursuing one's own interests.
利己的な動機で行動する。
Act out of selfish motives.
Emphasizing that someone only thinks about their own convenience or desires.
Literally 'only think about oneself'. A common phrase to describe someone who is completely self-absorbed.
彼は自分のことしか考えていない。
He only thinks about himself.
A shorter, more casual version of 自己中心的. Often used as a noun or na-adjective.
あの人は自分中心すぎる。
That person is too self-centered.
Describing someone with an inflated sense of self-importance, often in a psychological or critical sense.
Means 'strong self-love', implying narcissism. Used to describe someone who is excessively focused on themselves.
彼女は自己愛が強くて、他人の気持ちを考えない。
She is so self-centered that she doesn't consider others' feelings.
Loanword from 'narcissist'. Used colloquially to describe someone who is vain and self-absorbed.
彼は完全なナルシストだ。
He's a complete narcissist.
Focusing on actions that disregard others, often in social situations.
A na-adjective meaning 'selfish' or 'self-centered', often implying a lack of consideration for others. Slightly more formal than 自分勝手.
身勝手な理由で辞めた。
He quit for selfish reasons.
Means 'self-oriented' or 'self-centered'. Often used in discussions about attitudes or decision-making.
自分本位な考え方はよくない。
A self-centered way of thinking is not good.
自己中心的 is a more direct translation of 'self-centered' and can sound more critical or analytical. わがまま is often used for childish selfishness or willfulness, and can be less harsh in some contexts. 自分勝手 is a good middle ground for everyday selfish behavior.
自己中心的な態度が嫌われる。
A self-centered attitude is disliked.
わがままな子供に手を焼く。
I have trouble with my selfish child.
Direct translations like '自己の中心' are not used. Stick to the established terms above. Also, be careful with エゴイスト (egoist) which can sound overly psychological or literary.