まま(に)
Meanings
- As one wishes
- Spur of the moment
- Whatever one fancies
- Spontaneously
- On a whim
About this pattern
Explanation
まま(に) expresses that an action is done according to one’s own will, feeling, or a situation’s natural course, often with a nuance of disregard for external constraints. It contrasts with doing something deliberately or under instruction; instead, it indicates acting as one pleases, in the moment, or letting things continue as they are or as one desires. Common in contexts where someone acts spontaneously, freely, or as personal inclination dictates; can carry a sense of autonomy or, in some cases, lack of consideration for others or rules depending on context.
Learn in context
Example sentences
He acted according to his own wishes.
We changed plans because of the weather, but in the end we went out as we felt like it.
The child didn’t like to do as the teacher said and ended up playing as he pleased.
She lives as she likes, without worrying about what others think.
Leave this room as it is.
Other Readings
Keep studying
More N1 patterns
from ... to ...; from start to finish; up to and including
View detailsNo matter how ~, it won't change the outcome; Even if ~, the result is still unlikely; Even though ~, it doesn't matter; it's futile to ~
View detailslike; similar to; as if; the same as
View detailsto be worthy of; to be enough for; to be sufficient
View detailsextreme; extremely; unbearably; to an extreme degree
View detailsEven though; Even if; Although; Despite
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