Translation guide
Used to confirm that something expected or predicted actually happened. Often expresses mild surprise that things turned out as anticipated.
The speaker had a hunch or expectation, and it turned out to be true.
The most common and natural way to say 'sure enough' in casual conversation. Implies 'as I thought' or 'just as I expected.'
Sure enough, it started raining.
Sure enough, he was late.
The more formal or written version of やっぱり. Used in the same way but sounds more polished.
Literally 'as expected'. Often used when the outcome is somewhat negative or ironic, but not always. Slightly more literary than やっぱり.
Means 'just as I thought'. More explicit about personal expectation. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
Sure enough, she didn't come.
The speaker checks something and finds that a suspicion or guess was correct.
Used in storytelling to build up to a predictable outcome.
Often used in narratives to mean 'sure enough' or 'as expected', sometimes with a dramatic tone. Can also mean 'really' or 'indeed' in questions.
Sure enough, it turned out just as he said.
やっぱり is the everyday word for 'sure enough' and can be used in almost any situation. 案の定 is slightly more formal and often carries a nuance of 'as I feared' or 'predictably (negative)', though it can be neutral. Use やっぱり for most casual speech.
Sure enough, he didn't come. (neutral/casual)
Sure enough, he didn't come. (slightly more formal, perhaps expected bad outcome)
やっぱり is extremely common in spoken Japanese. It can be used as a standalone interjection when you realize your guess was correct, similar to saying 'I knew it!' in English.
Ah, sure enough! / I knew it!
Sure enough, his prediction was correct.
Sure enough, he forgot something again.
Sure enough, the train was delayed.
Upon checking, sure enough, there was a mistake.