Verbる ともなしに Verb JLPT N1

Formation

Verb-dictionary form + ともなしに + Verb

Explanation

VerbるともなしにVerb is used to show that you do some action without particularly intending to. Often you ‘end up doing’ something by habit or casually.

Example sentences

• 本を読むともなしに眠ってしまった。

  I ended up falling asleep while reading the book without really meaning to.

  Hon o yomu tomonashi ni nemutte shimatta.

• 軽い気持ちで手紙を書くともなしに、彼に本心を告白した。

  While writing a letter casually, I ended up confessing my true feelings to him.

  Karui kimochi de tegami o kaku tomonashi ni, kare ni honshin o kokuhaku shita.

• 散歩をするともなしに、新しいカフェを見つけた。

  While I was walking with no particular destination, I found a new cafe.

  Sanpo o suru tomonashi ni, atarashii kafe o mitsuketa.

• 洋服を整理するともなしに、昔の写真を見つけた。

  As I was absentmindedly organizing clothes, I came across some old photos.

  Youfuku o seiri suru tomonashi ni, mukashi no shashin o mitsuketa.