Translation guide
This English phrase describes acting in a way that benefits oneself, often with a nuance of selfishness or self-interest. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various expressions convey the idea of doing things for one's own convenience, adjusting things to one's liking, or acting selfishly. The most natural translations depend on context: whether it's about arranging things to suit oneself, acting selfishly, or taking advantage of a situation.
Expressing that someone adjusts a situation, schedule, or arrangement to their own benefit or preference.
A common phrase meaning 'to do in a way that is convenient for oneself'. It can be used for arranging schedules, making plans, or adjusting things to one's advantage.
彼はいつも都合のいいようにスケジュールを変える。
He always changes the schedule to suit his own convenience.
都合のいいように解釈しないでください。
Please don't interpret it in a way that suits your convenience.
An adverbial phrase meaning 'conveniently for oneself'. Often used to describe actions or interpretations that are self-serving.
彼は自分に都合よくルールを無視した。
He ignored the rules to suit his own convenience.
Literally 'to adjust to one's own convenience'. Used when someone makes others or things conform to their schedule or needs.
彼女はいつも自分の都合に合わせて会議の時間を決める。
She always sets the meeting time to suit her own convenience.
Describing behavior that prioritizes one's own interests, often at the expense of others.
An adjective meaning 'selfish' or 'self-centered'. It directly conveys the idea of acting for one's own benefit without regard for others.
彼の行動は利己的だ。
His actions are selfish (to suit his own convenience).
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to act for one's own benefit'. It is more explicit and formal than 利己的.
彼は自分の利益のために行動している。
He is acting to suit his own convenience (for his own benefit).
Expressing that someone exploits circumstances to benefit themselves, often opportunistically.
Means 'to use (someone/something) to one's advantage'. It implies manipulating a situation or person for personal gain.
彼は状況をいいように利用した。
He took advantage of the situation to suit his own convenience.
A verb meaning 'to take advantage of' or 'to exploit' someone's weakness or a situation. It has a negative connotation.
彼は人の親切につけ込む。
He takes advantage of people's kindness to suit his own convenience.
Focusing on the timing or manner of an action being chosen for personal ease.
Means 'at a time that is convenient for oneself'. Used when scheduling or deciding when to do something.
自分の都合のいい時に来てください。
Please come at a time that suits your convenience.
An adverb meaning 'as one pleases' or 'without permission'. It often implies doing something for one's own convenience without consulting others.
彼は勝手に帰った。
He went home to suit his own convenience (without asking).
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'to suit one's own convenience'. Using a literal combination like 自分の便利を合わせる is unnatural. Instead, use the phrases provided depending on the nuance you want to convey.
都合 (つごう) refers to convenience in terms of circumstances or schedule, while 便利 (べんり) refers to functional convenience (usefulness). For 'suit one's own convenience', 都合 is usually more appropriate.
A noun/adjective meaning 'selfishness' or 'doing as one pleases'. It has a strong negative nuance of disregarding others.
自分勝手な理由で休むなんて許されない。
Taking a day off for your own convenience (selfish reasons) is not allowed.