つい
Accidentally, Unconsciously, Against one's better judgement
Structure
Explanation
Typically found near the start of a clause, the adverb つい expresses that an action was done 'inadvertently,' 'on impulse,' 'without thinking,' or 'even though one knows they shouldn't.' It is commonly used with the てしまう form to highlight the regrettable or unintentional nature of the action.
- 秘密にしてって言われたのに、つい友達に話してしまった。I was told to keep it a secret, but I accidentally told my friend.
- 緊張すると、つい早口で話しちゃうんだ。Whenever I get nervous, I unconsciously start talking really fast.
- ダイエット中なのは知っているのに、お菓子をもらうとつい受け取っちゃう。I know I'm on a diet, but when someone offers me snacks, I can't help but accept them.
Fun Fact
Beyond its basic meaning, つい can express three distinct nuances. These are as follows:
はからず - Something that is unplanned.
思わず - Something that is impulsive.
距離がわずかなさま - A short space or time.
The common thread in all uses of つい is the sense of immediacy. It suggests that the 'accidental' behavior happened in an instant. This closely mirrors the English concept of a 'lapse,' like a 'lapse in time,' a 'lapse in judgment,' or a 'lapse in forethought'.
- 時間がたくさんあっても、のんびりしすぎてつい遅刻してしまう。Even when I have plenty of time, I end up being late due to a lapse of time.
- カッとなると、つい相手に失礼なことを言ってしまう。When I lose my temper, I say rude things to people due to a lapse in judgment.
- お金を節約しなきゃいけないのに、セールを見かけるとついいらない物まで買ってしまう。I need to save money, but whenever I see a sale, I buy things I don't even need due to a lapse of forethought.
Examples
夜遅くまで、ついテレビを見てしまう。
I can't help but stay up late watching TV.
秘密なのに、つい話してしまう。
Even though it's a secret, I unconsciously end up talking about it.
ネットでかわいい服を見ると、つい買ってしまう。
When I see cute clothes online, I can't resist buying them.
弟の冗談に、つい本気で怒ってしまう。
Against my better judgment, I get genuinely angry at my little brother's jokes.
会議中、ついぼーっとしてしまう。
I unintentionally find myself spacing out during meetings.
勉強に集中したいのに、ついSNSをチェックしてしまう。
Even though I want to focus on studying, I can't help but check social media.
好きな歌が流れると、つい口ずさんでしまう。
When a song I like comes on, I unconsciously start humming along.
お腹が空いていないのに、ついお菓子に手が伸びてしまう。
Even when I'm not hungry, I can't help but reach for a snack.
友達と話していると、つい方言が出てしまう。
When I'm talking with friends, my local dialect unconsciously slips out.
人のうわさ話はしたくないのに、つい聞いてしまう。
I don't want to gossip, but against my better judgment, I end up listening in.
休みの日は、つい昼まで寝てしまう。
On my days off, I always end up sleeping in until noon.
悲しい映画を見ると、つい泣いてしまう。
I can't help but cry when I watch a sad movie.