Meaning

Primary

Unintentionally

Alternatives

Reflexively, Spontaneously, Involuntarily

Word Type

adverb

Explanation

This is a negative form of the verb 思う which is used as an adverb. If you do something without thinking, you do it unintentionally. As an adverb, you can put this in front of things to say that you did them involuntarily.

Reading

おもわず
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading for this is the kun'yomi reading which you learned already, so you should be able to read this word as well.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 思わずつぶやく

    to mutter without thinking, to tweet without thinking (Twitter)

    思わず言う

    to say without thinking

    思わず見る

    to look without thinking

Context Sentences

思わず本音を口にしてしまいました。

I spoke of my real intentions unintentionally.

このテーブルは安すぎて、思わず買ってしまった。

This table was so cheap that I had to get it.

思わず「ニコラス・ケイジさんですか?」と言ってしまった。

I involuntarily said, "Are you Nicholas Cage?"

Kanji Composition