just now; a moment ago (indicates something that happened very recently).
さっきはつい電話に出られなくてごめん。
Sorry I couldn't answer the phone just now.
ついさっきここを通ったところだ。
I just passed by here a moment ago.
約束の時間に遅れてしまい、つい慌ててしまった。
I was late for the appointment and panicked for a moment.
quite/near (indicates closeness or approximation; like 'nearly' or 'almost').
家は駅からつい近くないが、歩いて行ける距離だ。
My house isn't exactly close to the station, but it's within walking distance.
問題はつい解決に近づいてきた。
The problem has nearly been resolved.
ついそこまで来たなら、寄って行けばいいのに。
Since you're nearly here, you might as well drop by.
unintentionally; inadvertently; doing something without meaning to (often 'without thinking' or 'against one's better judgment').
高いと知らずについ買ってしまった。
Not knowing it was expensive, I ended up buying it on impulse.
注意されると、つい言い返してしまう癖がある。
When I'm criticized, I have a habit of snapping back without thinking.
ダイエット中なのに、つい甘い物を食べてしまった。
Even though I'm on a diet, I unintentionally ate something sweet.