Translation guide
Expresses acting freely according to one's own will, without considering others. Japanese has many nuanced expressions ranging from positive independence to negative selfishness.
To do things in one's own way, without being constrained by others, often with a sense of independence or self-direction.
Literally 'do as one likes'. A neutral, common way to say you'll do something your own way.
休日は好きなように過ごしています。
I spend my days off doing as I like.
Emphasizes 'one's own' way. Slightly more emphatic than 好きなようにする.
自分の好きなようにやってください。
Please do it as you like.
Means 'do freely'. Often used when giving permission or describing unrestricted action.
ここでは自由にしてください。
Make yourself at home here. (lit. Do as you please here.)
To do whatever one wants without regard for others, often implying selfishness or stubbornness.
Means 'to act selfishly'. Commonly used for children or adults behaving in a self-centered way.
彼はいつもわがままをしている。
He always does as he likes (selfishly).
Literally 'do as one pleases'. Often has a negative nuance of doing something without permission or consideration.
勝手にすれば？
Do as you like. (sarcastic/annoyed)
Means 'to do as one pleases' in an unrestrained, often excessive way. Stronger negative nuance.
彼らはパーティーで好き放題していた。
They were doing whatever they wanted at the party.
To act without being rushed or influenced by others, maintaining one's own rhythm or style.
Borrowed from English 'my pace'. Very common for doing things at one's own speed or in one's own way.
彼はいつもマイペースで仕事をする。
He always works at his own pace.
Japanese equivalent of 'at one's own pace'. Slightly more formal than マイペース.
自分のペースで勉強してください。
Please study at your own pace.
To get what one wants, often by asserting one's will or being stubborn.
Means 'to make things go as one wishes'. Often used when someone imposes their will.
彼は何でも思い通りにしようとする。
He tries to have everything his own way.
Literary/formal expression meaning 'to control as one wishes'. Often used in written language.
彼は組織を意のままに動かした。
He manipulated the organization as he pleased.
Directly translating 'doing as one likes' into 好きなことをする can sometimes sound too vague or childish. Choose the expression that matches the nuance (positive independence vs. negative selfishness).
Both can mean 'selfish', but 勝手 emphasizes acting without permission or consideration, while わがまま implies a demanding, self-indulgent attitude. 勝手にする is often used in annoyed retorts.
A noun/adjective meaning 'selfish' or 'self-centered'. Describes a person who always does as they like.
自分勝手な行動はやめてください。
Please stop your selfish behavior.