เอาแต่ใจตัวเอง

Explanation

This expression normally carries a negative judgment. It does not simply mean being independent or making one's own decisions; it suggests disregarding others while trying to get what one wants. เอาแต่ใจ conveys acting according to one's own wishes, while ตัวเอง means “oneself.” Together, they emphasize putting one's own desires above everyone else's. It can function directly as a predicate, as in เขาเอาแต่ใจตัวเอง (“He insists on having his own way”), or describe someone's character in เป็นคนเอาแต่ใจตัวเอง (“to be a willful, self-centered person”).

Usage

Commonly used when criticizing willful behavior in families, romantic relationships, friendships, or child-rearing. It is also used at work or in group settings when someone ignores others' views and insists on doing things their own way.

Caution

Saying this directly to someone can sound strongly critical of their character or behavior. For a gentler suggestion, you can say ลองฟังคนอื่นบ้างนะ (“Try listening to other people too”).

1 willful synonyms

• เห็นแก่ตัว

  hěn kɛ̀ɛ tua selfish

  เห็นแก่ตัว emphasizes selfishly putting one's own interests first. เอาแต่ใจตัวเอง focuses more specifically on being willful and insisting on getting one's own way.

• เอาแต่ใจ

  เอาแต่ใจ is the common shorter expression for being willful or wanting one's own way. เอาแต่ใจตัวเอง adds ตัวเอง (“oneself”), making the focus on one's own wishes more explicit.