何気に

なにげに
Alternative writings: 何げに
Frequency:
1

Casually or inadvertently; doing something without special reason or intention.

AdverbColloquial

Examples

何気にテレビをつけたら、昔の友達が出ている番組が流れていた。

I switched on the TV on a whim and an old friend was on a program.

彼は何気に高いことを言ったが、本心かもしれない。

He said something lofty casually, but it might have been sincere.

何気に見たサイトで、欲しかった本が安く売っていた。

By chance I found the book I wanted on a site where it was on sale.

2

Used to mean unexpectedly or surprisingly — indicating something contrary to expectations.

Adverb

Examples

何気に彼の意見が一番説得力があった。

Surprisingly, his opinion was the most convincing.

その店は何気に料理が美味しくて通っている人が多い。

That shop surprisingly serves tasty food and has many regulars.

3

Used to express 'after realizing' or 'without noticing' — indicating a realization that came later.

Adverb

Examples

写真を見返していて、何気に髪型が変わっていることに気づいた。

Looking back at the photos, I suddenly noticed that my hairstyle had changed.

彼の言葉を聞いて、何気に自分の考えが変わった。

After hearing him, I unexpectedly changed my thinking.