Translation guide
Expresses that something happens or is true in accordance with what was anticipated. Covers both neutral confirmation and emotional reactions like relief or satisfaction.
As expected, he was late.
The speaker states that an outcome matches their prior expectation, often neutrally.
A common adverbial phrase meaning 'just as I thought' or 'sure enough'. Used when a predicted (often negative) outcome occurs.
Sure enough, he was late.
As expected, it started raining.
Casual adverb meaning 'as I thought' or 'after all'. Very common in conversation. Can also express a change of mind.
I knew it. / Just as I thought.
He was the culprit after all.
Literally 'just as I thought'. Used when something matches one's personal prediction.
As I expected, the exam was difficult.
More formal than 思った通り, meaning 'as expected' based on objective prediction or forecast.
As expected, sales increased.
The speaker indicates that a situation is only natural given the circumstances, often with a nuance of 'of course'.
Adverb or na-adjective meaning 'naturally', 'of course', or 'as a matter of course'. Implies logical consequence.
It's only natural that he's angry.
Naturally, there were opposing opinions.
Na-adjective meaning 'obvious', 'natural', or 'to be expected'. Often used in casual speech.
It's only natural that he succeeds.
Literary phrase meaning 'it is quite natural' or 'no wonder'. Used in formal or written contexts.
I thought his reaction was only to be expected.
The speaker expresses emotional satisfaction that a desired outcome occurred as anticipated.
Means 'as hoped/expected'. Emphasizes that the result met one's hopes or expectations.
I'm happy that we got the results we hoped for.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'everything one could wish for' or 'just as one desired'. Expresses perfect satisfaction.
This weather is just what we wanted.
The speaker notes that a person or thing lives up to its reputation or typical behavior.
Adverb expressing admiration that someone/something is as good as expected or lives up to their reputation. Often used as 'さすが（だ）'.
As expected of a pro, he works fast.
I'm tired, as you might expect.
Literary phrase meaning 'as the name suggests' or 'famed'. Used for things that live up to their reputation.
It's a famous sword, just as its reputation suggests.
案の定 is more objective and often used for negative outcomes. やっぱり is subjective and can be used for both positive and negative situations, and also to express a change of mind.
As expected, I failed.
After all, this one is better.
The English phrase 'as expected' can often be translated directly as 予想通り or 思った通り, but in casual conversation, やっぱり or 案の定 are more natural. Using 期待通り implies a hopeful expectation, not just a prediction.
The movie was as good as I expected.
As expected, the train was crowded.