Translation guide
The English adverb 'automatically' can express that something happens by itself without human intervention, as a natural or inevitable result, or as a default setting. Japanese uses different adverbs, verb forms, and set phrases depending on the nuance.
Describing a machine, system, or process that operates on its own, without a person directly controlling it.
The door opens automatically.
Data is saved automatically.
A slightly more casual and shorter version of 自動的に. Very common in everyday speech.
This machine runs automatically.
Expressing that one action or state leads to another without conscious effort, or that something happens as a matter of course.
Used when something happens naturally, spontaneously, or without forcing it. Often implies a gradual or organic process.
If you practice, you'll automatically get better.
That habit came automatically.
Emphasizes that something happens on its own, without external cause. Often used for physical phenomena or changes.
A literary or formal word meaning 'naturally' or 'as a matter of course'. Often used in written language.
Describing an action or setting that is pre-selected, or something done out of habit without conscious decision.
A phrase meaning 'without particularly being conscious of it'. Used when an action becomes automatic through habit.
My body moved automatically, without me thinking about it.
Means 'unconsciously' or 'automatically' in the sense of doing something without awareness.
Loanword from English 'default'. Used mainly in technical or computing contexts to mean 'by default' or 'automatically set'.
This setting is automatically on by default.
When describing a natural consequence (e.g., 'You'll automatically understand'), using 自動的に can sound unnatural or overly mechanical. Use 自然に or rephrase with a conditional like 〜ばわかる (if ~, you'll understand).
The wound healed automatically (on its own).
努力すればおのずと道は開ける。
If you make an effort, the way will open automatically.
He was automatically humming the same song.