Translation guide
Describes behavior or a person that gives in to one's own desires, often excessively or without restraint. In Japanese, this is expressed through various adjectives and phrases that emphasize lack of self-control, overindulgence, or selfishness.
Describing someone who habitually gives in to their own desires, often in a negative sense.
The most common and versatile word for 'selfish' or 'self-indulgent'. It can describe a person, behavior, or request. Often used for children or in casual contexts.
彼はわがままだ。
He is self-indulgent.
わがままな生活を送っている。
He leads a self-indulgent life.
Emphasizes acting only for one's own convenience without considering others. Stronger negative nuance than わがまま.
自分勝手な行動はやめてください。
Please stop your self-indulgent behavior.
Literary or formal term for self-indulgence, often implying dissolution or licentiousness.
放縦な生活が身を滅ぼした。
His self-indulgent life ruined him.
Focusing on excessive enjoyment of physical pleasures, often with a nuance of lack of restraint.
Means 'luxury' or 'extravagance'. When used as an adjective (贅沢な), it can describe self-indulgent spending or lifestyle.
贅沢な食事を楽しんだ。
I enjoyed a self-indulgent meal.
Verb meaning 'to pamper' or 'to indulge' (someone). Often used reflexively as 自分を甘やかす (to indulge oneself).
Implies debauchery or dissipation, often associated with a self-indulgent, immoral lifestyle.
Expressing the idea of allowing oneself a small luxury or break, often in a light-hearted way.
Literally 'a reward for oneself'. Commonly used to justify a self-indulgent purchase or treat.
これは自分へのご褒美です。
This is a little self-indulgence for myself.
To pamper oneself. Can be used in a positive, self-care context.
週末は自分を甘やかして、スパに行った。
I was self-indulgent over the weekend and went to a spa.
Describing art, writing, or behavior that is excessively focused on one's own feelings, often seen as lacking restraint.
Narcissism or self-absorption. Often used for self-indulgent art or behavior that is overly self-admiring.
彼の詩は自己陶酔的だ。
His poetry is self-indulgent.
To wallow in one's emotions. Can imply a self-indulgent dwelling on feelings.
彼女は悲しみに浸っている。
She is indulging in her sadness.
Direct translations like '自己甘やかし' or '自己放縦' are not natural Japanese. Use the expressions provided above depending on context.
わがまま is more about selfish desires and can be used for children or in lighter contexts. 自分勝手 is stronger and implies a complete disregard for others, often used in serious criticism.
たまには自分を甘やかしてもいいよね。
It's okay to be self-indulgent once in a while.
放蕩の限りを尽くす。
To indulge in every kind of self-indulgence.