Translation guide
Expressing that someone does something without understanding the reason, or that something happens for no apparent reason. Japanese uses various adverbial phrases and sentence-ending patterns.
The speaker does something or feels something but doesn't know why.
A common, neutral way to say 'for some reason' or 'without knowing why'. It implies the speaker doesn't understand the cause.
Tears came to my eyes without knowing why.
For some reason, I can't stop thinking about him.
Literally 'without a reason'. Emphasizes the absence of a reason. Slightly more formal than なぜか.
Sometimes I get anxious without knowing why.
Means 'vaguely', 'for no particular reason', or 'without really knowing why'. Often used for intuitive actions or feelings.
I ended up coming here without really knowing why.
A more emphatic 'for some reason or other'. Suggests the speaker finds the situation puzzling.
For some reason, I just can't get motivated today.
Describing that another person's action or a situation lacks an apparent reason.
Used as a clause modifying a verb, like 'without knowing why, I...'
A very natural conversational pattern meaning 'I don't know why, but...'
I don't know why, but I like this song.
Similar to above, but explicitly says 'I don't know the reason'.
She burst out laughing for no reason.
I don't know why, but I felt like coming here.