Translation and Meaning of: 我がまま - wagamama
On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 我がまま (wagamama) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.
Romaji: wagamama
Kana: わがまま
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1
Translation / Meaning: selfishness; own will; disobedience; whim
Meaning in English: selfishness;egoism;wilfulness;disobedience;whim
Definition: To force one's own convenience or opinion. Selfish attitude.
Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases
Explanation and Etymology - (我がまま) wagamama
The Japanese expression 「我がまま」 (wagamama) is often used to describe someone who is selfish or who does what they want, disregarding the feelings or desires of others. The etymology of the word traces back to two distinct parts: 「我が」 (waga), which means "my" or "myself," and 「まま」 (mama), which indicates a state or condition. When combined, these parts reflect the idea of acting according to one's own will, without considering the needs of others.
Historically, human nature to be egocentric or prioritize one's own desires existed in various cultures, but in Japan, the term 「我がまま」 has deeply rooted itself in social norms. In the Japanese context, where collectivity and the group are highly valued, being labeled as 「我がまま」 can carry a negative connotation. Within Japanese society, harmony and balance between individual desires and the well-being of the group are of utmost importance. Thus, the expression is used to indicate when someone crosses that delicate line.
The evolution of the term has not been purely linear. In contemporary Japan, some variations of the word have emerged and are sometimes used in less pejorative contexts. For example, some people use 「我がまま」 to justify an authentic behavior or a personal choice that, although still unconventional, is essential for their well-being. However, the prevailing understanding is still rooted in the concept of selfish behavior.
In addition to its usage in daily life, 「我がまま」 has also found a place in popular culture, being a common theme in Japanese movies, series, and books, where characters often face dilemmas involving the balance between their individual desires and social expectations. This duality of the term reflects the complexities of human interaction and the ongoing struggle between individual and collective well-being.
Synonyms and similar words
- わがまま (wagamama) - Egocentrism, selfish or capricious behavior.
- 自分勝手 (jibun katte) - Selfish behavior, focused only on one's own desires, similar to わがまま, but with a more negative connotation.
- 好き勝手 (suki katte) - Action according to one's own will, freedom to do what one likes, although it may be considered selfish.
- 独善的 (dokuzenteki) - Egocentrism, the belief that one's own ideas and actions are superior, often disregarding others' opinions.
Words related
Words with the same pronunciation: わがまま wagamama
How to Write in Japanese - (我がまま) wagamama
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (我がまま) wagamama:
Example Sentences - (我がまま) wagamama
Below are some example sentences:
Watashi wa wagamama desu
I am selfish.
I am myself.
- 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun meaning "I" in Japanese
- は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
- 我がまま (wagamama) - an expression that means "selfish" or "capricious" in Japanese
- です (desu) - linking verb indicating formality and the present tense of the sentence
Other words of the same type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
