Japanese grammar
What does ～ともなしに mean? Japanese grammar N1
～ともなしに means unintentionally; absentmindedly doing… (variant of ～ともなく).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 動詞 辞書形 + ともなしに 疑問詞 + ともなしに |
| Romaji | tomonashini |
| Meaning | unintentionally; absentmindedly doing… (variant of ～ともなく) |
Forming it
| Question word | どちらから + ともなしに |
|---|---|
| Perception verb | 聞く + ともなしに + 聞く |
How to use it
Does A unconsciously, without intent; same meaning and usage as 「～ともなく」, slightly more literary.
- 「～ともなしに」 = doing A UNCONSCIOUSLY, without intent — a variant of 「ともなく」, slightly more literary.
- Goes with perception verbs (見る・聞く・考える) or a question word.
- Usually repeats the same verb: 聞くともなしに聞く.
Examples
聞くともなしに聞いていたら、面白い話だった。
Listening without really trying to, I found it was an interesting story.
どちらからともなしに、歩み寄った。
Without either side initiating, the two drew closer.
Keep in mind
- Nearly the same meaning as 「ともなく」.
- Goes with perception verbs/a question word.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong必死に見るともなしに見た。
I was just looking without really paying attention.
Correct見るともなしに見ていた。
「ともなしに」 emphasizes unconsciousness, which contradicts 「必死に」 (desperately).
-
Wrong決めるともなしに決めた。
I was just thinking without really meaning to decide anything.
Correct考えるともなしに考えていた。
Fits PERCEPTION/thinking verbs, not a verb with a clear intentional action (決める).
Exam tips
- 「ともなしに」 = unconscious (a variant of 「ともなく」); goes with 見る・聞く・考える.