ともなく
(Tomo naku)
unintentionally / without consciously.
Connection rules
- ＋V dict-form + ともなく / ともなしに.
- ＋Unconscious / unintentional action — typically with perception verbs.
- ＋Common with 見る, 聞く, 考える, 待つ.
Examples
1.
見るともなく窓の外を眺めていた。
Miru tomo naku mado no soto o nagame te i ta.
I was gazing out the window without really looking.
「unintentionally / without consciously」
2.
聞くともなしに、彼らの会話を聞いていた。
Kiku to mo nashi ni, karera no kaiwa o kii te i ta.
I was listening to their conversation without meaning to.
「unintentionally / without consciously」
Practice
I found myself listening to the conversation at the next table without really intending to.
隣の席の会話を___聞いていたら、自分の名前が出てきて驚いた。
Romaji also accepted