わがまま
わがまま
na-adjective, noun
selfish, willful
1.
selfish, self-centered, willful
Behavior characterized by doing what one wants without considering others; selfishness or capriciousness.
わがままを言わないで。
Don't be selfish. / Don't make selfish demands.
わがままを言う = to make selfish demands
彼はわがままな子だ。
He is a selfish child.
わがままを許してください。
Please forgive my selfishness.
Often used apologetically when making a personal request
あの人はわがままで、いつも自分の思い通りにしたがる。
That person is selfish and always wants things to go their own way.
子供のわがままを何でも聞いていると、大人になってから困ることになる。
If you give in to every selfish demand a child makes, it will cause problems when they grow up.
わがままを聞く = to give in to selfish demands
USAGE: わがまま describes selfish or willful behavior, often used for children who won't listen or adults who prioritize their own desires. Can be written 我儘 in kanji.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- わがままを言う (to make selfish demands)
- わがままな人 (a selfish person)
- わがままを通す (to have one's own way)
REGISTER: Can be used critically or self-deprecatingly. When used about oneself, it can be a humble way to apologize for a request.