Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'selfish' depends on whether you mean prioritizing your own desires over others, acting without consideration, or simply doing what you want. The most common word is わがまま, but other terms carry different nuances of self-centeredness, willfulness, or egoism.
Describing someone who insists on their own way, often disregarding others' feelings or convenience. This is the most common, everyday meaning.
The most common and versatile word for 'selfish'. It can describe children, adults, or actions. Often implies a childish or unreasonable insistence on one's own way.
He is selfish.
Don't be selfish.
Literally 'self-convenient'. Emphasizes doing things for one's own convenience without considering others. Slightly more formal than わがまま.
Please stop acting selfishly.
A formal, written term meaning 'self-interested' or 'egoistic'. Used in psychological or philosophical contexts.
selfish motives
Describing someone who acts on their own whims, often stubbornly or capriciously.
Means doing as one pleases, free-spirited. Can be positive (carefree) or negative (selfish) depending on context. Often used for a lifestyle or personality.
a selfish solo trip (doing whatever you want)
Similar to 自分勝手 but stronger; implies blatant disregard for others. Often used in formal complaints.
Describing a personality that revolves around oneself, often with a sense of superiority or lack of empathy.
Directly translates to 'self-centered'. Common in everyday speech to criticize someone who only thinks about themselves.
He is self-centered.
Loanword from English 'egoist'. Used for someone who is extremely self-centered, often in a philosophical or literary sense.
Describing a partner who prioritizes their own needs, often leading to imbalance.
Means 'self-oriented'. Often used to describe a selfish attitude in relationships or teamwork.
Change your selfish attitude.
わがまま is more emotional and childish, often used for personal relationships. 自分勝手 is more about actions that inconvenience others, and can be used in formal settings. わがまま can sometimes be used affectionately, while 自分勝手 is always negative.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'selfish'. Using わがまま when you mean 'self-centered' might sound too mild. Choose based on the specific behavior you want to describe.
身勝手な言い分
a selfish argument
He is a complete egoist.