Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing self-centeredness depends on whether you're describing a personality trait, a specific selfish action, or a mindset. Common words range from everyday selfishness to more formal terms for egocentrism.
Describing someone who puts their own needs first, often at the expense of others, in daily situations.
Abbreviation of 自己中心的. Very common in casual conversation to call someone self-centered or selfish. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
彼は本当に自己中だよね。
He's really self-centered, isn't he?
自己中な行動はやめて。
Stop being so selfish.
Means selfish or willful, often used for children or when someone insists on having their own way. Can be a noun or na-adjective.
わがまま言わないで。
Don't be so selfish.
彼女はわがままに育った。
She was raised to be selfish.
Literally 'self-convenience'. Describes someone who acts only for their own convenience without considering others. Stronger nuance than わがまま.
自分勝手な人とは付き合いたくない。
I don't want to associate with self-centered people.
Describing a personality characterized by an inability to see things from others' perspectives; more formal or analytical.
The full form of 自己中. Used in more formal contexts or when explaining someone's personality. A na-adjective.
彼は自己中心的な性格だ。
He has a self-centered personality.
Focusing excessively on one's own feelings, appearance, or problems, often ignoring others.
Narcissism or self-absorption. Often used for someone who is in love with their own image or ideas.
彼の自己陶酔にはうんざりだ。
I'm fed up with his self-absorption.
Literally 'thinking only about oneself'. A common phrase to describe someone who is completely self-absorbed.
彼は自分のことしか考えていない。
He only thinks about himself.
Discussing self-centeredness as an ethical concept, often contrasted with altruism.
Egoism as a philosophical stance. Often used in discussions of ethics or morality.
利己主義は時に社会問題を引き起こす。
Egoism sometimes causes social problems.
Loanword for 'egoism'. Used in similar contexts as 利己主義 but may sound more modern or Western.
わがまま is often used for childish selfishness or willfulness, like a child demanding candy. 自分勝手 implies a more adult, calculated selfishness where someone consistently prioritizes their own convenience. 自己中 is a casual, modern abbreviation that covers both but is especially common among younger speakers to criticize someone's attitude.
子供のわがままに手を焼いている。
I'm at my wits' end with the child's selfishness.
自分勝手な理由で休むなんて許せない。
I can't forgive him for taking a day off for such a self-centered reason.
あいつ、マジで自己中だわ。
That guy is seriously self-centered.
Direct translations like '自己中心性' exist but sound overly technical and are rarely used in daily conversation. Stick to the options above for natural Japanese.
Loanword from English 'egoistic'. Used similarly to English, often in psychological or critical contexts.
エゴイスティックな動機
egoistic motives
彼の行動は純粋なエゴイズムだ。
His actions are pure egoism.