Translation guide
The English adverb "blindly" has two main uses: acting without thinking or questioning, and doing something without being able to see. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To do something without considering the consequences, without understanding, or without questioning authority.
He blindly followed the instructions. · Don't blindly trust everything you read online. · She blindly accepted the job offer without negotiating.
The most direct and common equivalent. Used for acting blindly in a figurative sense, such as following orders or believing something without question.
彼は上司の命令に盲目的に従った。
He blindly obeyed his boss's orders.
盲目的に噂を信じてはいけない。
Don't blindly believe rumors.
To do something physically without sight, either literally blind or in darkness.
He reached out blindly in the dark. · She walked blindly into the room, not noticing the step.
Means "by feel" or "gropingly". Used when moving or searching without being able to see, often in the dark.
停電で真っ暗だったので、手探りで部屋の中を進んだ。
Because of the blackout it was pitch dark, so I blindly felt my way through the room.
盲目的に is more formal and often implies following something or someone without question. 何も考えずに is casual and simply means 'without thinking', suitable for everyday impulsive actions.
Do not use 盲に (もうに) or 盲で (もうで) as an adverb; these are not standard. Use the phrases above instead.
Literally "without thinking anything". A more colloquial way to express acting blindly, often used for impulsive or unthinking actions.
彼は何も考えずにその契約書にサインした。
He blindly signed the contract without thinking.
Means "uncritically" or "without questioning". Suitable when emphasizing lack of critical thinking, such as accepting information blindly.
彼女はその情報を無批判に受け入れた。
She blindly accepted the information.
Literally "without thinking carefully". A softer, everyday expression for acting without proper consideration.
よく考えずに返事をしてしまった。
I answered blindly without thinking it through.
Literally "while unable to see". Used for actions performed without sight, often by a blind person.
彼は目の見えないまま料理を作ることができる。
He can cook blindly without being able to see.
Means "haphazardly" or "at random". Can imply acting blindly in a physical sense, but often used figuratively for reckless actions. Less common for literal blindness.
闇雲に走り回っても出口は見つからない。
Even if you run around blindly, you won't find the exit.