不覚(ふかく)にも

ふかくにも
adverb
unwittingly; inadvertently; to one's chagrin
formalexpression
1. unwittingly; inadvertently; carelessly; to one's chagrin
Doing something unintentionally or being caught off guard in a way that one finds embarrassing or regrettable. Implies self-reproach for a lapse in vigilance or composure.
不覚(ふかく)にも涙(なみだ)が出(で)た。
Tears came to my eyes in spite of myself.
不覚(ふかく)にも電車(でんしゃ)の中(なか)で居眠(いねむ)りしてしまった。
I inadvertently dozed off on the train.
不覚(ふかく)にも大事(だいじ)な書類(しょるい)を家(いえ)に忘(わす)れてきてしまった。
To my chagrin, I left the important documents at home.

不覚(ふかく) literally means 'lack of awareness' or 'carelessness.' The adverbial form 不覚(ふかく)にも adds a sense of self-blame — the speaker acknowledges they should have known better or maintained more composure. Often used with ～てしまう to emphasize the unintentional nature.

Common patterns

  • 不覚(ふかく)にも～てしまった — inadvertently ended up doing
  • 不覚(ふかく)にも涙(なみだ)が出(で)た — tears came unwillingly
  • 不覚(ふかく)にも笑(わら)ってしまった — couldn't help but laugh

Similar words

  • うっかり — carelessly, absent-mindedly (more casual, less self-reproachful)
  • 思(おも)わず — involuntarily, unintentionally (neutral, no self-blame)
  • つい — unintentionally (casual, habitual slips)

Related Words

Compare: うっかり (carelessly, absent-mindedly)
Compare: 思(おも)わず (involuntarily, unintentionally)
general
Added 2026.3.27 9:23 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
19500/19811_fukakunimo