JLPT N3

つい

Unintentionally, carelessly, by mistake

Structure

Adverb

How it works

This adverb indicates that an action was performed unintentionally, impulsively, or carelessly, often against one's better judgment or without thinking.

Examples

ついケーキを全部食べてしまった。

I unintentionally ate all the cake.

Common mistakes

Using it to describe a permanent or deliberate action one regrets, instead of a momentary lapse.

Tip

Imagine someone shrugging their shoulders and saying 'Oops!' in Japanese.

More JLPT N3 grammar

としてに対してについてによってに関してにとってわけだわけがない

See つい in real Japanese

Import an article and tap any sentence using it. The explanation comes back about the sentence in front of you, not a textbook example.

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