Translation guide
Describes doing something while lost in thought, not paying attention to one's surroundings.
To describe an action done while the person is thinking deeply about something else, often staring blankly or not focusing on the task.
An adverb meaning 'vacantly', 'absently', or 'in a daze'. Very common and natural for describing actions done without focus.
彼は窓の外をぼんやり眺めていた。
He was staring abstractedly out the window.
彼女はぼんやりとテレビを見ていた。
She was watching TV abstractedly.
Literally 'with one's mind in the sky', meaning 'absent-mindedly'. Often used when someone is not listening or paying attention.
彼は上の空で返事をした。
He answered abstractedly.
A set phrase meaning 'with one's heart not here', i.e., 'absent-mindedly' or 'preoccupied'. Slightly more literary.
彼は心ここにあらずで会議に参加していた。
He attended the meeting abstractedly.
Means 'in a daze' or 'blankly', often with a nuance of being stunned or bewildered. More intense than just absent-minded.
彼は茫然と虚空を見つめていた。
He stared abstractedly into space.