Learn Japanese grammar: ともなく (tomonaku) / ともなしに (tomonashini). Meaning: uncertainty; lack of intent.
Grammar Notes
- This grammar point should be proceeded by a verb and then followed by a different verb.

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ともなく - Example Sentences 例文
Each example sentence includes a Japanese hint, the romaji reading, and the English translation.
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Example #1
何を買うともなく、デパートの中をブラブラしていたら、友人に会った。
特に買うつもりではなく
nani wo kau tomonaku, depaato no naka wo burabura shiteitara, yuujin ni atta.
I ran into my friend while wandering around the supermarket with no particular plan to buy anything.
Example #2
休みの日にはどこへ行くともなしにドライブすることが多い。
特にどこに行くという目的もなく
yasumi no hi ni wa doko e iku tomonashini doraibu suru koto ga ooi.
I often drive around with no destination in mind on my days off.
Example #3
チラシを見るともなく見ていたら、友達が映っていた。
特にみるつもりではなく
chirashi wo miru tomonaku miteitara, tomodachi ga utsutteita.
I noticed a flyer which had a picture of my friend on it.
Example #4
駅を降りたら、どこからともなく美味しそうないい匂いがしてきた。
どこから分からないが
eki wo oritara, doko kara tomonaku oishisou na ii nioi ga shite kita.
Once I exited the station, I noticed a really delicious smell, but wasn't sure where it was coming from..
Vocabulary List 語彙
Kanji 漢字 | Kana カナ | English 英語 |
---|---|---|
ぶらぶら | to wander; strolling; aimlessly; dangling | |
チラシ | flyer | |
映る | うつる | to be displayed; reflected |
匂い | におい | smell |
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