without noticing; before one realizes; unconsciously
Describes an action or state that occurs naturally, without deliberate thought or awareness. Often used when something happens spontaneously or when one is caught up in a situation.
Tears came to my eyes before I knew it.
I was drawn into his story without realizing it.
Standard kanji spelling.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling; less common but still used.
Compound of 思わず (without thinking) and 知らず (without knowing), reinforcing the idea of an unconscious or unnoticed action.