放恣

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: It is read ほうし. 放 contributes letting loose and 恣 acting at will, forming a word for self-indulgent, unrestrained conduct.
• Basic usage: It is used critically, as when someone loses others' trust through unrestrained behavior after gaining power.
  • 権力を得た人物の放恣な振る舞いが、周囲の信頼を失わせた。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Freedom versus self-indulgence
  • 自由 can refer to freedom of action, while 放恣 is a literary term carrying a negative judgment of disregarding restraint or shared commitments.