1.
free-spirited, doing as one pleases, easygoing
Acting according to one's own wishes and whims without worrying about others' expectations or schedules. Can be positive (carefree) or negative (selfish), depending on context.
気ままに旅をする。
Travel freely as one pleases.
一人暮らしは気ままでいい。
Living alone is nice because you can do as you please.
猫は気ままな動物だとよく言われる。
Cats are often said to be free-spirited animals.
Na-adjective: 気ままな + noun (modifier), 気ままに + verb (adverbial).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 気ままな暮らし: a carefree lifestyle
- 気ままに過ごす: to spend time as one pleases
- 気ままな旅: an unplanned/freewheeling trip
- 気ままな性格: a free-spirited personality
NUANCE: When describing oneself or a positive situation (travel, living alone), 気まま has a positive nuance of freedom and ease. When describing someone else's behavior, it can imply selfishness or inconsiderateness — doing whatever one wants without regard for others.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- わがまま: selfish, willful (more negative)
- 自由: free, liberal (more neutral/positive)
- マイペース: at one's own pace