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.
It turned out to be an unanticipated result.
His reaction was unanticipated.
Conveys a sense of pleasant or striking unexpectedness. Often used for happy surprises or chance encounters.
I received an unanticipated gift.
Often used in the phrase 不意に (suddenly/unexpectedly) or 不意の (unexpected). Implies something happening without warning.
We had an unanticipated visitor.
It started raining unanticipatedly.
Literally 'outside assumptions'. Used when something exceeds what was planned or assumed, often in business or technical contexts.
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.
An unanticipated situation arose.
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.
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.
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.
Unanticipated expenses piled up.
I was blessed with unanticipated good fortune.
It was an unanticipated reunion.
いきなり彼が現れた。
He showed up unanticipatedly.