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予想外 (よそうがい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective, noun
unexpected ; unforeseen
Describes something that was not anticipated or predicted. Often used with の to modify nouns, or as a な-adjective. The gloss 'strange' is a possible contextual extension, not a core meaning.
のう
は
まったく
予よ
想そう
外がい
だっ
た
。
His reaction was completely unforeseen.
Kanji 予 beforehand, previous, myself 想 idea, thought, conception Similar words 意い 外がい 意外 also means 'unexpected', but often carries a nuance of 'surprising' or 'contrary to expectations'. 予想外 is more neutral and factual, focusing on the lack of prior prediction.
想そう 定てい 外がい 想定外 is similar but emphasizes something outside the scope of assumptions or scenarios considered, often used in risk management or planning contexts.
Etymology Compound of 予想 (yosō, 'expectation, forecast') + 外 (gai, 'outside'). Literally 'outside of expectations'.
