Translation guide
Expresses that something happened differently from what was expected. Japanese uses various adverbial phrases and conjunctions, often placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
To say that something happened in a way that was not expected, often with a nuance of surprise or disappointment.
Common adverb meaning 'unexpectedly' or 'more than expected'. Often used when the result is better or different than anticipated.
To connect two clauses where the second contradicts what was expected from the first.
Conjunction meaning 'I thought that..., but contrary to that...'. Used when the speaker's assumption is immediately overturned. Often literary or storytelling.
彼は来ないと思いきや、突然現れた。
I thought he wouldn't come, but contrary to my expectations, he suddenly appeared.
試験は案外簡単だった。
The exam was unexpectedly easy.
案外、彼は早く来た。
Contrary to expectations, he came early.
Adverb meaning 'unexpectedly' or 'surprisingly'. Often used when the outcome is contrary to what one thought.
意外に人が多かった。
There were unexpectedly many people.
Literally 'more than I thought'. Very common in casual speech to express that something exceeded or fell short of expectations.
思ったより難しくなかった。
It wasn't as difficult as I expected.
Formal phrase meaning 'contrary to expectations'. Used in writing or formal speech.
予想に反して、景気は回復した。
Contrary to expectations, the economy recovered.
Similar to 予想に反して but with a nuance of personal hope or anticipation. Often used when disappointed.
期待に反して、映画はつまらなかった。
Contrary to my expectations, the movie was boring.
Means 'just when I thought...'. Expresses that something happened right after one thought something else, often contrary to the expectation.
雨が降るかと思ったら、晴れてきた。
Just when I thought it would rain, it cleared up.
Conjunction meaning 'however' or 'but'. Used to introduce a fact that is contrary to what was expected from the previous statement.
彼は有能だ。ところが、失敗した。
He is capable. However, contrary to expectations, he failed.