思いのほか
Meanings
1
adverb, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
unexpectedly; surprisingly; contrary to expectations
Used when a result or situation differs from what one thought or assumed. Often carries a nuance of mild surprise.
The exam was unexpectedly difficult.
We arrived surprisingly early.
Usage patterns
- 思いのほか〈形容詞〉unexpectedly [adjective] — used to show a quality turned out beyond what was expected
This restaurant was cheaper than I expected.
- 思いのほか〈動詞〉to [verb] unexpectedly — used before a verb to show the outcome differed from expectations
The work finished sooner than I had expected.