Translation guide
Expresses doing something freely, according to one's own will or desire, without constraint.
The most common way to say 'do as you like' or 'act freely'.
Literally 'in the way you like'. Very common and natural for 'as you please'.
好きなようにしていいよ。
You can do as you please.
好きなように選んでください。
Please choose as you please.
When 'as one pleases' implies selfishness or disregard for others.
Means 'selfishly', 'without permission', or 'as one pleases' in a negative sense.
When something is available for someone to use or control freely.
Means 'as one wishes' or 'according to one's will'. Often used for controlling situations or things.
思い通りに動かせる。
You can move it as you please.
好きなように is neutral or positive (do as you like), while 勝手に implies doing something without permission or consideration, often negative.
好きなように遊んでいいよ。
You can play as you like.
勝手に遊んでたら怒られた。
I got scolded for playing without permission.
The pattern [noun/adjective] + ままに means 'leaving things as they are' or 'according to'. Common with 思う (thoughts), 気の向く (mood), etc.
Means 'freely'. Often used when giving permission or describing unrestricted action.
自由に使ってください。
Please use it as you please.
ここでは自由に話せます。
You can speak as you please here.
Literally 'as one thinks/feels'. Slightly more literary or emphatic.
思うままに行動した。
I acted as I pleased.
Means 'as one's mood takes one'. Poetic or literary nuance.
気の向くままに旅をする。
I travel as the mood takes me.
Often carries a negative connotation of doing something without consulting others.
勝手に使わないでください。
Please don't use it as you please.
彼はいつも勝手に決める。
He always decides as he pleases.
Means 'selfishly' or 'willfully', often used for spoiled behavior.
わがままに振る舞う。
To behave as one pleases (selfishly).
Life doesn't go as one pleases.