1.
mechanical; like a machine; done without thought
Describes actions or responses done automatically and without thought or feeling, like a machine. Can also literally mean 'relating to machines.'
機械的な作業。
mechanical work.
質問に機械的に答える。
to answer questions mechanically.
毎日同じことを機械的に繰り返していると、仕事への興味を失ってしまう。
If you mechanically repeat the same things every day, you end up losing interest in your work.
A な-adjective formed from 機械 (machine) + 的. Most often used figuratively for behavior that is automatic and devoid of thought or emotion.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 機械的に処理する: to process mechanically
- 機械的な反応: a mechanical (unfeeling) reaction
- 機械的な動き: machine-like movement
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 自動的: automatic — neutral; describes processes that happen by themselves, without the negative 'unfeeling' nuance
- 事務的: businesslike; impersonal — emphasizes coldness in dealing with people