つい
つい
adverb
unintentionally, just (now), inadvertently
1.
unintentionally, inadvertently, carelessly
Doing something without thinking; an action done despite not intending to.
つい笑ってしまった。
I couldn't help laughing.
つい食べ過ぎてしまった。
I accidentally ate too much.
つい本音を言ってしまった。
I inadvertently spoke my true feelings.
仕事中についスマホを見てしまうことがある。
I sometimes find myself looking at my phone during work.
やめようと思っているのに、つい夜更かしをしてしまう。
Even though I intend to stop, I can't help staying up late.
つい〜てしまう pattern emphasizes lack of self-control
2.
just (now), a moment ago
Something that happened very recently.
ついさっき来たよ。
They just came a moment ago.
つい先ほど届きました。
It arrived just a moment ago.
ついこの前会ったばかりなのに、もう懐かしい。
We just met the other day, but I already feel nostalgic.
つい最近この町に引っ越してきたので、近くのお店をまだよく知らない。
I just recently moved to this town, so I don't know the nearby shops well yet.
つい先日日本に来たばかりだと思っていたのに、もう3年も経っていて驚いた。
I thought I had just come to Japan, but I was surprised that three years had already passed.
つい expresses actions done without intending to, often with a nuance of regret or lack of self-control.
POSITION:
- Usually appears at the beginning of a clause, before the verb
COMMON PATTERNS:
- つい〜てしまう (end up doing ~ unintentionally)
- つい先ほど (just a moment ago)
- つい最近 (just recently)
NUANCE:
- Implies the action was not fully intentional
- Often paired with てしまう to emphasize accidental nature
- Can express mild regret or excuse
SIMILAR WORDS:
- うっかり: carelessly, by mistake (more accidental)
- 思わず: involuntarily, without thinking (physical reflex)
Related Words
Contrast:
思わず (involuntarily)