Entry
ついつい
tsuitsui
Describes doing something unintentionally or against your better judgment, often driven by habit or temptation.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An adverb used when you do something you know you shouldn't do, or when you act without thinking. It strongly implies a lack of self-control or a minor regret, and is typically followed by verbs in the -te shimau form.
- giving in to temptation
- acting out of habit
Sense Map
Giving in to temptation
Doing something against your better judgment because you could not resist, such as eating junk food or buying unnecessary things.
ついつい買ってしまう
Unconscious habit
Performing an action out of habit without actively deciding to do so, like checking your phone.
ついついスマホを見てしまう
Usage Note
How to Use
ついつい + Verb-てしまう
The most natural and common pattern. The verb takes the -te shimau form to emphasize that the action was unintended or regrettable.
ついつい + Verb
Can be used directly with a standard verb, though it is less common than using the -te shimau form.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ついつい食べてしまう
end up eating unintentionally
ついつい買ってしまう
end up buying against better judgment
ついつい言ってしまう
unintentionally let slip (words)
ついつい見てしまう
end up looking at unconsciously
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dieting and spending | mildly negative / regretful | Extremely common when talking about breaking a diet or overspending. |
| Social interactions | apologetic | Used to lightly apologize for saying something unnecessary or revealing a secret. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
うっかり うっかり / contrast | Use for careless mistakes or forgetting something completely. | Ukkari is a pure mistake from carelessness, while tsuitsui often involves giving in to a temptation you knew you should resist. | うっかり忘れた |
わざと わざと / opposite | Use when an action is done completely on purpose and with clear intent. | Wazato means intentionally, which is the exact opposite of the unintentional nature of tsuitsui. | わざと負けた |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for major accidents or serious harm.
Tsuitsui is for minor, relatable lapses in self-control. For serious accidents, use other words.
Confusing it with ukkari (carelessness).
If you forgot your keys, it is ukkari. If you bought another pair of shoes you didn't need, it is tsuitsui.
Examples
Examples
夜中に甘いものを、ついつい食べてしまう。
夜中(よなか)に甘(あま)いものを、ついつい食(た)べてしまう。
I unintentionally end up eating sweet things late at night.
LiteralShows mild regret over breaking a diet.
セールだったので、ついつい服を買いすぎてしまった。
セールだったので、ついつい服(ふく)を買(か)いすぎてしまった。
Because it was on sale, I ended up buying too many clothes against my better judgment.
LiteralCommonly used when describing impulse shopping.
彼の話が面白くて、ついつい長居してしまった。
彼(かれ)の話(はなし)が面白(おもしろ)くて、ついつい長居(ながい)してしまった。
His stories were so interesting that I ended up staying too long without realizing it.
LiteralLosing track of time because of an enjoyable situation.
秘密だったのに、お酒を飲んでついつい話してしまった。
秘密(ひみつ)だったのに、お酒(さけ)を飲(のん)んでついつい話(はな)してしまった。
Even though it was a secret, I drank and unintentionally let it slip.
FigurativeSlipping up and saying something that shouldn't be said.
スマホの画面をついつい見てしまう。
スマホの画面(がめん)をついつい見(み)てしまう。
I find myself unconsciously looking at my smartphone screen.
LiteralAn unconscious action that has become a habit.
Similar Words
わざと
wazato
Intentionally or on purpose.
Questions
What is the difference between ついつい and つい?
Tsuitsui is simply the repeated, emphasized version of tsui. It shows a stronger sense of habit or harder struggle against temptation.
Does it always require -te shimau?
While not strictly required by grammar rules, native speakers use it with -te shimau in the vast majority of sentences.
Can I use tsuitsui for something good?
No, it implies a lack of control or mild regret, so it sounds unnatural with positive achievements.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2101170
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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