Translation guide
Describes someone who thinks primarily about themselves and their own needs, often at the expense of others.
Describing a person who is selfish or egocentric in a broad sense.
When someone dominates a conversation or only talks about themselves.
Literally 'only talk about oneself'. A natural way to describe someone who is self-centred in conversation.
彼女はいつも自分の話ばかりする。
She always talks only about herself.
When someone acts without considering others' feelings or situations.
Literally 'not seeing one's surroundings'. Used when someone is so focused on themselves that they ignore others.
彼は周りが見えていない。
He is oblivious to others.
While both can be translated as 'self-centred', 自己中心的 (jikochūshinteki) is a more neutral, descriptive term for someone who is egocentric. わがまま (wagamama) implies a more emotional, demanding, or childish selfishness, often used when someone insists on having their own way.
The English phrase 'self-centred' is an adjective, but directly translating it as 自己中心 (jikochūshin) without the 的 (teki) is less common. Always use 自己中心的な (jikochūshinteki na) when modifying a noun.
The most direct and common translation for 'self-centred'. It is a na-adjective that describes someone who views everything from their own perspective.
彼は自己中心的な人だ。
He is a self-centred person.
Means 'selfish' or 'egoistic', focusing on pursuing one's own interests. Slightly more formal and often used in written contexts.
利己的な行動は避けるべきだ。
You should avoid selfish behavior.
A na-adjective meaning 'selfish' or 'doing as one pleases'. It carries a nuance of disregarding others' convenience.
自分勝手なことばかり言わないで。
Don't just say selfish things.
Often translated as 'selfish' or 'willful', but implies a childish or demanding self-centredness. Commonly used in everyday speech.
わがままを言うのはやめなさい。
Stop being so selfish.
Means 'to talk centering on oneself'. Slightly less common but still clear.
彼は自分中心に話す傾向がある。
He tends to talk about himself a lot.
Means 'not considering others' feelings'. Directly points out the lack of empathy.
そんなことを言うなんて、人の気持ちを考えないんだね。
Saying something like that, you really don't consider others' feelings.