Translation guide
The English word 'unexpected' describes something that was not anticipated or foreseen. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, adverbs, and phrases that convey surprise, suddenness, or deviation from expectations. The choice depends on whether the focus is on the event itself, the speaker's reaction, or the manner in which something occurs.
To state that something was not expected or foreseen, often with a nuance of surprise.
An adjective meaning 'unexpected' or 'surprising'. It is used when something differs from what was assumed or predicted. Commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼が辞めたのは意外だった。
It was unexpected that he quit.
意外な結果が出た。
An unexpected result came out.
Literally 'outside of expectation'. It emphasizes that something was beyond what was anticipated. Slightly more formal than 意外.
予想外の出来事が起こった。
An unexpected event occurred.
An adjective meaning 'unexpected' or 'unforeseen', often with a nuance of something pleasant or fortuitous. It implies that the event was not even imagined.
思いがけない贈り物をもらった。
I received an unexpected gift.
A noun meaning 'sudden' or 'unexpected', often used in the phrase 不意に (suddenly). It emphasizes the abruptness of the event.
不意の来客に驚いた。
I was surprised by the unexpected visitor.
To describe an action that occurs without warning or in a surprising manner.
An adverb meaning 'suddenly' or 'unexpectedly'. It is used when something happens abruptly, often without any prior indication.
突然、雨が降り出した。
Suddenly, it started raining.
彼は突然部屋を出て行った。
He unexpectedly left the room.
An adverb meaning 'suddenly' or 'without warning', often used in casual speech. It implies a lack of preamble or preparation.
An adverb meaning 'unexpectedly' or 'suddenly', often used in written language. It emphasizes the surprise element.
不意に後ろから声をかけられた。
I was unexpectedly spoken to from behind.
To indicate that a situation or outcome is different from what was expected, often with a nuance of 'contrary to expectations'.
An adverb meaning 'unexpectedly' or 'contrary to expectations'. It is used when the reality differs from what was assumed, often in a neutral or slightly positive way.
試験は案外簡単だった。
The exam was unexpectedly easy.
An adverbial phrase meaning 'unexpectedly' or 'surprisingly'. It explicitly marks the unexpected nature of the statement.
意外にも、彼はその申し出を受け入れた。
Unexpectedly, he accepted the offer.
A conjunction meaning 'however' or 'but', used to introduce an unexpected turn of events. It sets up a contrast with the previous statement.
To express that one encountered something or someone by chance, without planning.
A noun or adverb meaning 'coincidence' or 'by chance'. It is used when something happens unexpectedly due to chance, not design.
偶然、街で旧友に会った。
I unexpectedly ran into an old friend in town.
An adverb meaning 'by chance' or 'unexpectedly'. It is casual and often used in spoken Japanese.
意外 (igai) is more subjective and often carries a nuance of personal surprise. 予想外 (yosougai) is more objective and emphasizes that something was beyond predictions or calculations. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but 予想外 can sound more formal.
意外なことに、彼は賛成した。
Surprisingly, he agreed.
予想外の事態に備える。
Prepare for unexpected situations.
Avoid directly translating 'unexpected' as 期待されていない (kitai sarete inai), which means 'not hoped for' or 'not anticipated' in a different sense. Use the adjectives and adverbs listed above instead.
彼の反応は全く意外だった。
His reaction was completely unexpected.
昨夜、思いがけない来客があった。
We had an unexpected visitor last night.
いきなり彼にキスされた。
He unexpectedly kissed me.
彼は来ると思った。ところが、来なかった。
I thought he would come. However, unexpectedly, he didn't.
たまたま通りかかって助けた。
I happened to pass by and helped.