Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Unexpected" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "unexpected", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
意外
いがい (igai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
思いもよらない
おもいもよらない (omoimoyoranai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "unexpected" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 意外 and 思いもよらない.
In Japanese, 意外 (いがい (igai)) is typically associated with "unexpected, surprising" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used to express surprise or that something is different from what one expected. It can be an adverb.
On the other hand, 思いもよらない (おもいもよらない (omoimoyoranai)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "unexpected" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "意外"
彼の日本語が意外に上手で驚いた。
I was surprised that his Japanese was unexpectedly good.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の日本語が ＿＿＿ に上手で驚いた。" (Meaning: "I was surprised that his Japanese was unexpectedly good.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "意外" fits here because it means "unexpected, surprising" in the context of: "I was surprised that his Japanese was unexpectedly good.". "思いもよらない" represents "unexpected, unforeseen, surprising (even beyond expectation)".