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.
He blindly obeyed his boss's orders.
Don't blindly believe rumors.
Literally "without thinking anything". A more colloquial way to express acting blindly, often used for impulsive or unthinking actions.
He blindly signed the contract without thinking.
Means "uncritically" or "without questioning". Suitable when emphasizing lack of critical thinking, such as accepting information blindly.
She blindly accepted the information.
Literally "without thinking carefully". A softer, everyday expression for acting without proper consideration.
I answered blindly without thinking it through.
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.
Because of the blackout it was pitch dark, so I blindly felt my way through the room.
Literally "while unable to see". Used for actions performed without sight, often by a blind person.
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.
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.
He can cook blindly without being able to see.
Even if you run around blindly, you won't find the exit.