Japanese word

わがまま

Pronunciation

Romajiwagamama

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveselfish

Example

妹はわがままな子です。imōto wa wa ga ma ma na ko de su

My little sister is selfish.

Illustration for わがまま (selfish)

More examples

自分の希望ばかり通そうとするのは、わがままです。ji bun no ki bō ba ka ri tō sō to su ru no wa wa ga ma ma de su

Trying to get only what you want is selfish.

Core concept

Describes putting one's own wishes and convenience first without considering other people's feelings or circumstances.

Common phrases

  • わがままを言うwa ga ma ma o i u

    make selfish demands

  • わがままに振る舞うwa ga ma ma ni fu ru ma u

    act selfishly

  • わがままな態度wa ga ma ma na tai do

    a selfish attitude

  • わがままを通すwa ga ma ma o tō su

    get one's way

Similar words

自分勝手jibunkatte: Following personal wishes without giving enough thought to other people's needs or feelings.
身勝手migatte: Putting personal convenience above the needs and feelings of other people.
利己的rikoteki: Focusing on personal gain instead of giving equal weight to the interests of others.

Definition in Japanese

自分の望みや都合を優先し、他人の気持ちや事情を考えないさま。ji bun no nozo mi ya tsu gō o yū sen shi ta nin no ki mo chi ya ji jō o kanga e na i sa ma

Word origin

The Japanese word わがまま (wagamama) comes from 我が (waga, "one's own") and 儘 (mama, "as it is"), expressing behavior guided only by one's own wishes.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, わがまま (wagamama) often describes a child who insists on getting what they want, so it can sound milder than a direct accusation of selfishness.

Other meanings

  • self-centeredna-adjective

Opposites

  • 利他的ritatekialtruisticna-adjective

Related words

  • わがままさwagamamasaselfishnessnoun

Word lists with this word