Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing self-centeredness depends on whether you're describing a personality trait, a specific selfish action, or a mindset. Common words range from everyday selfishness to more formal terms for egocentrism.
Describing someone who puts their own needs first, often at the expense of others, in daily situations.
Abbreviation of 自己中心的. Very common in casual conversation to call someone self-centered or selfish. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
He's really self-centered, isn't he?
Stop being so selfish.
Means selfish or willful, often used for children or when someone insists on having their own way. Can be a noun or na-adjective.
Don't be so selfish.
She was raised to be selfish.
Literally 'self-convenience'. Describes someone who acts only for their own convenience without considering others. Stronger nuance than わがまま.
I don't want to associate with self-centered people.
Describing a personality characterized by an inability to see things from others' perspectives; more formal or analytical.
The full form of 自己中. Used in more formal contexts or when explaining someone's personality. A na-adjective.
He has a self-centered personality.
Loanword from English 'egoistic'. Used similarly to English, often in psychological or critical contexts.
Focusing excessively on one's own feelings, appearance, or problems, often ignoring others.
Narcissism or self-absorption. Often used for someone who is in love with their own image or ideas.
I'm fed up with his self-absorption.
Literally 'thinking only about oneself'. A common phrase to describe someone who is completely self-absorbed.
Discussing self-centeredness as an ethical concept, often contrasted with altruism.
わがまま is often used for childish selfishness or willfulness, like a child demanding candy. 自分勝手 implies a more adult, calculated selfishness where someone consistently prioritizes their own convenience. 自己中 is a casual, modern abbreviation that covers both but is especially common among younger speakers to criticize someone's attitude.
I'm at my wits' end with the child's selfishness.
I can't forgive him for taking a day off for such a self-centered reason.
That guy is seriously self-centered.
Direct translations like '自己中心性' exist but sound overly technical and are rarely used in daily conversation. Stick to the options above for natural Japanese.
egoistic motives
He only thinks about himself.
His actions are pure egoism.