Self-centered behavior that ignores the needs or feelings of others.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Acting according to one's own desires regardless of others.
- Often used to describe childish or self-centered behavior.
- Can imply a sense of demanding or spoiled attitude.
概要
「わがまま」は「我がまま」、つまり「自分の思うまま」という意味が語源です。自分の欲望や都合を優先し、周囲の状況や他人の感情を考慮しない態度を指します。ネガティブな文脈で使われることがほとんどですが、親しい間柄で「少しわがままを言ってもいい？」のように、甘えを伴う文脈で使われることもあります。
一般的な文脈
子供に対して「わがままを言わないで」と叱る場面や、恋人や友人に対して「そんなにわがままばかり言わないでよ」と不満を伝える場面で頻繁に登場します。また、仕事の場面では、個人の都合を優先する同僚を批判する際にも使用されます。
類語との比較
「身勝手（みがって）」はより強い非難のニュアンスを含み、ルールを無視するような利己的な行動を指します。「自分勝手」も似た意味ですが、より客観的にその行動を評価するニュアンスが強いです。「わがまま」は、子供っぽさや甘えの要素が含まれることが多く、対人関係において少し柔らかい響きを持つ場合があります。
Examples
子供が店でおもちゃを欲しがってわがままを言っている。
everydayThe child is being selfish in the shop because they want a toy.
個人の主張を押し通すのは、組織としてはわがままだ。
formalInsisting on personal demands is selfish as an organization.
たまにはわがままを言ってもいいよ。
informalIt's okay to be a little selfish sometimes.
彼の行動は極めてわがままであると批判された。
academicHis actions were criticized as being extremely selfish.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
わがままボディ
Curvy/voluptuous body (slang)
わがままを聞く
To indulge someone's wishes
わがまま放題
Doing whatever one pleases without restraint
Often Confused With
Implies a lack of consideration for others that is more cold or calculated than just being 'wagamama'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'wagamama' mainly in informal or semi-formal contexts. It carries a subjective judgment of someone's behavior. Avoid using it to describe people in authority to maintain professional relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it to describe themselves in a neutral way, but it sounds like you are admitting a character flaw. Be careful with the tone when using it to describe your own actions.
Tips
Use with caution in social settings
Calling someone selfish directly is a strong accusation. Use it carefully to avoid hurting others' feelings.
Avoid using with superiors
Never describe a boss or client as 'wagamama'. It implies you are judging them, which is unprofessional.
The importance of harmony
Japanese culture values group harmony. Being 'wagamama' is seen as disrupting that harmony.
Word Origin
Derived from 'waga' (my) and 'mama' (as is/as I like). It literally describes a state where things are done exactly as one pleases.
Cultural Context
In Japan, prioritizing the group over the individual is highly valued. Therefore, being 'wagamama' is often seen as a negative trait that disrupts social harmony.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'waga' (my) 'mama' (as I want) child throwing a tantrum. It's the ultimate 'me-first' attitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions基本的にはネガティブな言葉ですが、芸術家や子供に対して「自分の世界を大切にする」という意味でポジティブな文脈で使われることも稀にあります。
「わがまま」は甘えのニュアンスが含まれやすいのに対し、「自分勝手」はより批判的で、冷淡な印象を与えます。
避けるべきです。目上の人に対して使うと非常に失礼になるため、ビジネスシーンでは「ご都合主義」や「自己中心的」などの表現に言い換える必要があります。
ネットスラングで、肉感的で魅力的な体型を指す言葉です。本来の意味とは異なり、褒め言葉として使われます。
Test Yourself
彼は自分の意見ばかり主張して、本当に___だ。
文脈的に、他人の意見を聞かない性格を表す「わがまま」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Self-centered behavior that ignores the needs or feelings of others.
- Acting according to one's own desires regardless of others.
- Often used to describe childish or self-centered behavior.
- Can imply a sense of demanding or spoiled attitude.
Use with caution in social settings
Calling someone selfish directly is a strong accusation. Use it carefully to avoid hurting others' feelings.
Avoid using with superiors
Never describe a boss or client as 'wagamama'. It implies you are judging them, which is unprofessional.
The importance of harmony
Japanese culture values group harmony. Being 'wagamama' is seen as disrupting that harmony.
Examples
4 of 4子供が店でおもちゃを欲しがってわがままを言っている。
The child is being selfish in the shop because they want a toy.
個人の主張を押し通すのは、組織としてはわがままだ。
Insisting on personal demands is selfish as an organization.
たまにはわがままを言ってもいいよ。
It's okay to be a little selfish sometimes.
彼の行動は極めてわがままであると批判された。
His actions were criticized as being extremely selfish.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
