つい

• Reading: つい
• Romaji: tsui
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.i/

Meaning

Just (now); inadvertently; unintentionally. Indicates something done without thinking or happening moments ago.

An adverb with two main uses: (1) temporal — meaning 'just now' or 'only recently,' as in つい先日 (just the other day), and (2) involuntary action — meaning doing something unintentionally or out of habit, as in つい食べすぎた (I accidentally ate too much). The involuntary sense implies the speaker could not help themselves. Very common in everyday conversation.

Examples

1. ダイエット中なのについ甘いものを食べてしまった。 Even though I'm on a diet, I accidentally ate something sweet.
2. つい先日まで暑かったのに急に涼しくなった。 It was hot just the other day, but suddenly it got cool.
3. 面白い本でつい夜更かししてしまった。 The book was so good that I inadvertently stayed up late.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, self-reflection, conversation

Tone: apologetic

Origin & History

A native Japanese adverb of long standing. Originally conveyed a sense of proximity in time or the ease with which an action occurs, evolving to encompass the nuance of doing something without deliberate intention.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal