without intending to, unconsciously

Advanced

25-30 min

rare

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates doing something without clear purpose or awareness.

[Verb stem] + ともなく / ともなしに

聞くともなしに聞いていた。

Kiku to mo nashini kiite ita.

I was listening without really intending to.

見るともなく見ていた。

Miru to mo naku mite ita.

I was watching without really watching.

Emphasizes lack of intention.

～ずくめ

entirely, completely, all

～ならいざ知らず

~ might be one thing, but; leaving ~ aside

～てやまない

earnestly wish/hope, never stop ~ing

～をものともせずに

not being daunted by ~, in spite of ~

～んがため(に)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~ (formal/literary)

Used for unintentional actions.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

Study with our comprehensive grammar guides and practice materials.