Translation guide
Describes actions, reactions, or states that occur without conscious control or will. Covers physiological reflexes, automatic responses, and things done against one's will.
Reflexes, automatic bodily functions, or reactions that happen without thinking.
The standard medical/biological term for involuntary bodily functions or movements. Often used in formal or technical contexts.
不随意運動は神経系の異常で起こることがあります。
Involuntary movements can occur due to nervous system abnormalities.
Describes a reflexive, automatic reaction. Common in everyday speech for quick, unthinking responses.
熱いものに触ると、反射的に手を引っ込める。
When you touch something hot, you pull your hand back involuntarily.
Adverb meaning 'without thinking', 'spontaneously', or 'involuntarily' in the sense of an automatic reaction. Very common in casual and spoken Japanese.
あまりに驚いて、思わず叫んでしまった。
I was so surprised that I screamed involuntarily.
Adverb for doing something unintentionally or against one's better judgment, often out of habit. Implies a slight lack of control.
ダイエット中なのに、つい甘いものを食べてしまう。
Even though I'm on a diet, I end up eating sweets involuntarily.
Actions forced upon someone, not by their own choice.
Means 'unwilling' or 'reluctant'. Often used in phrases like 不本意ながら (against one's will).
不本意ながら、その提案を受け入れざるを得なかった。
I had no choice but to accept the proposal involuntarily.
Literally 'contrary to one's will'. Used when something happens against someone's wishes.
彼は意に反して、その役職を引き受けた。
He took on the position involuntarily, against his will.
Means 'having no choice', 'reluctantly'. Implies doing something involuntarily due to circumstances.
Thoughts, memories, or emotions that arise without conscious effort.
Adverb meaning 'naturally' or 'spontaneously'. Used when something happens without deliberate thought.
その歌を聞くと、自然に涙が出てくる。
When I hear that song, tears come involuntarily.
Means 'unconsciously' or 'without realizing'. Describes involuntary mental or behavioral patterns.
知らず知らずのうちに、悪い癖がついていた。
I had involuntarily developed a bad habit without realizing it.
Both mean 'involuntarily', but 思わず emphasizes a spontaneous reaction to a stimulus, while つい implies doing something out of habit or weakness, often with a sense of regret.
驚いて思わず立ち上がった。
I stood up involuntarily from surprise.
つい食べ過ぎてしまった。
I involuntarily ate too much (out of habit).
Directly translating 'involuntary' as 不随意 in everyday conversation can sound overly technical. Use adverbs like 思わず or 自然に for natural expressions.
彼女は思わず息をのんだ。
She let out an involuntary gasp.
雨が降ってきたので、仕方なくピクニックを中止した。
It started raining, so we involuntarily canceled the picnic.