ともなしに

expression

without thinking; unconsciously; somehow

Used after a volitional verb form (e.g., 見るともなしに) to indicate doing something without clear intention or awareness. Often implies a vague, half-conscious action.

See also: ともなく

• 窓まどの外そとを見みるともなしに見みていたら、知しらない人ひとが庭にわに立たっていた。

  I was looking out the window without really paying attention, and then I noticed a stranger standing in the garden.

• ラジオを聞きくともなしに聞きいていたら、懐なつかしい曲きょくが流ながれてきた。

  I was half-listening to the radio when a nostalgic song came on.