Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Unexpected" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "unexpected", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
思いもよらない
おもいもよらない (omoimoyoranai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
邂逅
かいこう (kaikō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "unexpected" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 思いもよらない and 邂逅.
In Japanese, 思いもよらない (おもいもよらない (omoimoyoranai)) is typically associated with "unexpected, unforeseen, surprising (even beyond expectation)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Stronger than 思いがけず, emphasizing complete surprise or something beyond imagination..
On the other hand, 邂逅 (かいこう (kaikō)) maps to "an unexpected meeting, a chance encounter" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 思いがけない巡り合い、偶然の出会いを意味するやや硬い表現です。特に、運命的な出会いや感動的な再会を指す場合に使われます。. A literal translation of "unexpected" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "思いもよらない"
思いもよらない結果になった。
It turned out to be an utterly unexpected result.
Bilingual Context for "邂逅"
旅先での思いがけない邂逅は、彼にとって忘れられない思い出となった。
The unexpected encounter during his trip became an unforgettable memory for him.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ 結果になった。" (Meaning: "It turned out to be an utterly unexpected result.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "思いもよらない" fits here because it means "unexpected, unforeseen, surprising (even beyond expectation)" in the context of: "It turned out to be an utterly unexpected result.". "邂逅" represents "an unexpected meeting, a chance encounter".