How to say "self-centered" in Japanese

• 気ままきままCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers the sense of doing as one pleases; the nuance leans toward free-spirited willfulness rather than harsh egoism. Typical of describing someone who lives carelessly on their own impulses, ignoring duties or others' expectations.
• 手前勝手てまえがって
  na-adjective, nounMeans acting selfishly, putting oneself first without concern for others. A four-character idiom and a less common way to say self-centered; often fits complaints about someone's inconsiderate behavior rather than a general personality description.
• 自分中心じぶんちゅうしん
  no-adjectiveDescribes a person who thinks and acts with themselves at the center, stuck on oneself. A straightforward, less common way to say self-centered, suited to everyday criticism of someone who gives little thought to those around them.
• 自己中心的じこちゅうしんてき
  na-adjectiveEmphasizes egoism: seeing oneself as the measure of everything. A less common but clear way to describe self-centered people, fitting discussion of attitudes and character, as in someone who cannot consider others' feelings.
  彼女かのじょは他人たにんのことを気きにしない。言いいかえれば、自己中心的じこちゅうしんてきだ。↗

  She doesn't pay attention to others; in other words, she is selfish.
• 一人勝手ひとりかって
  na-adjectiveStresses acting selfishly without consulting anybody else, deciding things on one's own. A less common word for self-centered behavior, apt when someone makes choices unilaterally and disregards the people affected.

Use 「気まま」 for free-spirited willfulness, 自己中心的 for egoism, 自分中心 for a self-centered outlook, and 手前勝手 or 一人勝手 for acting selfishly without regard for others; the latter two are less common choices.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 気ままきままwillful
• 手前勝手てまえがってself-centered
• 自分中心じぶんちゅうしんself-centered
• 自己中心的じこちゅうしんてきegoistic
• 一人勝手ひとりかって(very) selfish
• 狷介けんかいobstinate
• セルフィッシュselfish
• 自分勝手じぶんかってselfishness