1.
selfish; self-indulgent; doing as one pleases without regard for others
Describes behavior or a personality that follows personal desires and whims without consideration for others. Carries a negative connotation of willfulness and selfishness.
彼は勝手気ままに暮らしている。
He lives as he pleases.
勝手気ままな行動は周りに迷惑をかける。
Selfish behavior causes trouble for those around you.
子どもの頃は勝手気ままだったが、社会に出てからは変わった。
He was self-indulgent as a child, but changed after entering the workforce.
A compound of 勝手 (selfishness; doing as one likes) and 気まま (whimsical; carefree). Together they reinforce each other to describe someone who acts entirely on personal whims without considering the impact on others. The tone is distinctly negative when describing someone's character, though it can sound envious when describing a lifestyle.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 勝手気ままに暮らす: to live as one pleases
- 勝手気ままな振る舞い: self-indulgent behavior
- 勝手気ままな性格: selfish personality
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 気まま: carefree; whimsical — lighter in tone, can be positive (enjoying freedom)
- 勝手: selfish; arbitrary — focuses on acting without permission or consideration
- 自分勝手: selfish; self-centered — emphasizes putting oneself first
- {わがまま}: selfish; spoiled — the most common everyday word for selfishness