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).
思うがままに生きる。
To live as one pleases.
彼は思うがままに行動して周りを困らせた。
He acted as he pleased and caused trouble for those around him.
退職したら、思うがままに旅をして過ごしたい。
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." 思うがまま literally means "as one thinks/wishes." Often followed by the particle に to form an adverbial phrase (思うがままに). The expression has a literary flavor and is common in written Japanese, speeches, and proverbs.
RELATED PATTERNS:
- 思うがままに: as one wishes (adverbial)
- 思うがままにする: to do as one pleases
- 思うがままになる: to go as one wishes; to be at one's disposal
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 思い通り: as one expected; as one wanted — focuses on outcomes matching expectations
- 好き勝手: doing whatever one likes — more colloquial and usually negative
- 自由に: freely — neutral, lacks the literary nuance
- 気の向くまま: on a whim; as the mood takes one — emphasizes spontaneity over will