Translation guide
Describes something that was not expected or foreseen. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed through adjectives, verbs, or set phrases that convey surprise or lack of prediction.
Describing a situation, outcome, or event that was not foreseen or predicted.
A common and neutral way to say something is 'unexpected' or 'unforeseen'. Can modify nouns or be used as a predicate.
予想外の結果になった。
It turned out to be an unanticipated result.
彼の反応は予想外だった。
His reaction was unanticipated.
Conveys a sense of pleasant or striking unexpectedness. Often used for happy surprises or chance encounters.
思いがけない贈り物をもらった。
I received an unanticipated gift.
思いがけない再会だった。
It was an unanticipated reunion.
Often used in the phrase 不意に (suddenly/unexpectedly) or 不意の (unexpected). Implies something happening without warning.
不意の来客があった。
We had an unanticipated visitor.
不意に雨が降り出した。
It started raining unanticipatedly.
Literally 'outside assumptions'. Used when something exceeds what was planned or assumed, often in business or technical contexts.
想定外のトラブルが発生した。
An unanticipated problem occurred.
Referring to results or effects that were not predicted, often in formal or technical contexts.
A slightly formal/literary adjective meaning 'unexpected' or 'unforeseen'. Often used in written language.
予期せぬ事態が起こった。
An unanticipated situation arose.
予期せぬ副作用が報告された。
Unanticipated side effects were reported.
Similar to 予期せぬ but slightly more modern/neutral. Can be used in both spoken and written contexts.
予期しない結果が出た。
We got unanticipated results.
Emphasizing the abruptness or shock of something unanticipated.
Adverb/adjective meaning 'sudden' or 'abrupt'. Often used when something happens without warning.
突然の辞任はまったく予想外だった。
The sudden resignation was completely unanticipated.
Colloquial adverb meaning 'suddenly' or 'without notice'. Implies a lack of preparation.
予想外 is neutral and can be used for both positive and negative surprises. 思いがけない often carries a nuance of pleasant surprise or something emotionally striking. 不意 emphasizes suddenness without warning.
予想外の出費がかさんだ。
Unanticipated expenses piled up.
思いがけない幸運に恵まれた。
I was blessed with unanticipated good fortune.
いきなり彼が現れた。
He showed up unanticipatedly.