勝手
Meanings
selfishness; one's own way; one's own convenience
Describes acting as one pleases without regard for others; often used in phrases like 勝手に (selfishly, without permission) or 勝手な (selfish).
Please don't enter someone's room without permission.
He always says only selfish things.
surroundings; environment; way of doing things
Refers to the circumstances, layout, or established way of doing something; often used when one is unfamiliar with a place or its customs. Common in phrases like 勝手が違う (things are different from what one is used to) or 勝手が分からない (not knowing the ropes).
The new workplace was different from what I was used to, and I was confused.
I still don't know my way around this area.
Describes how convenient or easy something is to use; often used in compound nouns like 使い勝手 (usability) or 勝手がいい (convenient, handy).
This kitchen is convenient to use.
I'm looking for an app with good usability.
financial circumstances; livelihood; living
Refers to one's financial situation or means of living; somewhat dated and often used in set phrases like 勝手が苦しい (in financial difficulty) or 勝手が悪い (in a tight financial spot).
At that time, my family's finances were tight, so I gave up on going to higher education.
Archaic or literary term for kitchen; in modern Japanese, 台所 is the standard word. Still seen in historical contexts or traditional house layouts.
See also: 台所
In old houses, the kitchen was on the earthen floor.
right hand (in archery); hand that pulls the bowstring
Specialized term in Japanese archery (弓道); refers to the hand that draws the bowstring, typically the right hand.
In archery, the grip of the drawing hand is important.
Prefix used to indicate something done without official permission, such as 勝手アプリ (unauthorized app) or 勝手サイト (unofficial site).
Installing unauthorized apps can be dangerous.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が勝手に〈動詞〉for someone to do something on their own, without asking or permission
He came into my room without permission.
- 〈物〉の勝手がいいsomething is convenient or easy to use
This tool is easy to use.
- 〈場所〉の勝手が分からないnot knowing how things are done or run in a place
I still don't know how things work at the new company.
- 〈人〉の勝手が苦しいsomeone's financial situation is difficult
Lately, our household finances have been tight.
- 〈人〉は勝手だto describe someone as selfish or inconsiderate
Saying something like that, you're being selfish.
Expressions
- 勝手が違うbe confusing; be different from what one is used to
- 勝手ながらallow oneself to; take the liberty of · it is presumed that; I presume that · on one's own accord; by one's arbitrary decision
- 勝手にしろhave it your way; do as you please; suit yourself
- 勝手知ったるwell aware of; know thoroughly; familiar with (and thus feel no need for restraint)