つい

Meaning & usage

Unintentionally; without being able to control onself; without meaning to; carelessly; involuntarily; in spite of oneself; just; only | An adverb used to describe someone doing something without being able to control himself/herself or used to indicate the closeness of a time or a place.

Example sentences 11

1. あの人は面白いのでついからかいたくなる。

   He's so funny it's hard to resist teasing him.

2. この店は感じがいいのでつい入ってみたくなる。

   This shop has such a good atmosphere that I can't help wanting to go in.

3. ついこの間、新年を祝ったと思ったら今日はもうバレンタインデーだ。

   It feels like we just celebrated New Year's the other day, and here it is Valentine's Day already.

4. ついさっきまで山口さんが来ていたんです。

   Mr. Yamaguchi was here until just a little while ago.

5. ついそこに喫茶店がありますからそこで話しましょう。

   There's a tea house just over there, so let's talk there.

6. 人のお金を使うのは悪いとは知りながら、つい使ってしまった。

   I know it's a bad thing to use someone else's money but I just couldn't control myself (and used it).

7. 安かったのでつい買ってしまった。

   It was cheap, so I just bought it (even though I didn't mean to).

8. 彼の仕事を見ているとじれったいのでつい手を貸してしまう。

   I feel impatient when I see him doing his work, so, without intending to, I end up extending a hand.

9. 彼女からは、つい２、3日前にメールをもらった。

   I received an email from her only two or three days ago.

10. 恵美につい亜紀の秘密を話してしまった。

    I carelessly told Aki's secret to Emi.

11. 楽しかったので、つい飲みすぎてしまった。

    Because I had such a good time, I ended up drinking too much (without meaning to).