Translation guide
Describes something happening by itself, without external cause or human intervention. In Japanese, this is often expressed with adverbs, set phrases, or verbs that imply spontaneity or automatic action.
The learner wants to say that a machine, object, or event operates or occurs without anyone making it happen.
Adverb meaning 'automatically'. Used for machines, systems, or processes that operate on their own.
ドアが自動で開いた。
The door opened of its own accord.
Adverb meaning 'by itself', 'spontaneously'. Often used for things that happen without visible cause, like objects moving or problems resolving.
おもちゃがひとりでに動き出した。
The toy started moving of its own accord.
Adverb meaning 'naturally', 'spontaneously'. Implies something happens as a natural course, without forced intervention.
問題が自然に解決した。
The problem resolved itself of its own accord.
The learner wants to say that a person does something willingly, without being told or forced.
Phrase meaning 'on one's own initiative', 'voluntarily'. Used when someone acts without being prompted.
彼は自分から手伝ってくれた。
He helped of his own accord.
Adverb meaning 'spontaneously', 'voluntarily'. Slightly more formal, often used in written contexts.
彼女は自発的に謝った。
She apologized of her own accord.
The learner wants to express that an abstract thing like a feeling, idea, or situation arises spontaneously.
Also used for abstract things that seem to happen on their own, like emotions or thoughts.
不安がひとりでに消えた。
The anxiety disappeared of its own accord.
Works for abstract concepts as well, emphasizing a natural, unforced process.
アイデアが自然に浮かんだ。
The idea came to me of its own accord.
There is no single Japanese word that directly corresponds to the English phrase 'of its own accord'. Using a literal translation like 'それ自身の一致で' would be nonsensical. Instead, choose an adverb or phrase that matches the context.