思(おも)うがまま

おもうがまま
expression
as one wishes; just as one pleases; to one's heart's content
formalabstract
1. as one wishes; just as one pleases; freely and without restraint
Describes doing something exactly the way one wants, without interference or restriction. Can be used positively (freedom, self-expression) or negatively (selfishness, unchecked behavior).
思(おも)うがままに生(い)きる。
To live as one pleases.
彼(かれ)は思(おも)うがままに行動(こうどう)して周(まわ)りを困(こま)らせた。
He acted as he pleased and caused trouble for those around him.
退職(たいしょく)したら、思(おも)うがままに旅(たび)をして過(す)ごしたい。
After I retire, I want to spend my time traveling wherever I please.

The がまま pattern means "as is" or "in accordance with." 思(おも)うがまま literally means "as one thinks/wishes." Often followed by the particle に to form an adverbial phrase (思(おも)うがままに). The expression has a literary flavor and is common in written Japanese, speeches, and proverbs.

Related patterns

  • 思(おも)うがままに: as one wishes (adverbial)
  • 思(おも)うがままにする: to do as one pleases
  • 思(おも)うがままになる: to go as one wishes; to be at one's disposal

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 思(おも)い通(どお)り (as one expected)
Compare: 好(す)き勝手(かって) (doing whatever one likes)
Compare: 自由(じゆう) (freely)
general
Added 2026.4.28 0:08 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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