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(い)わないで。

Don't be selfish. / Don't make selfish demands.

わがままを言(い)う = to make selfish demands

彼(かれ)はわがままな子(こ)だ。

He is a selfish child.

わがままを許(ゆる)してください。

Please forgive my selfishness.

Often used apologetically when making a personal request

あの人(ひと)はわがままで、いつも自分(じぶん)の思(おも)い通(どお)りにしたがる。

That person is selfish and always wants things to go their own way.

子供(こども)のわがままを何(なん)でも聞(き)いていると、大人(おとな)になってから困(こま)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(き)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(わがまま) in kanji.

COMMON PATTERNS:

わがままを言(い)う (to make selfish demands)
わがままな人(ひと) (a selfish person)
わがままを通(とお)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.

core

Added 2026.1.12 22:34 · Revised 2026.5.28 2:08

03500/03789_wagamama