Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Unexpectedly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "unexpectedly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
思いのほか
おもいのほか (omoi no hoka)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
思いがけず
おもいがけず (omoigakezu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "unexpectedly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 思いのほか and 思いがけず.
In Japanese, 思いのほか (おもいのほか (omoi no hoka)) is typically associated with "unexpectedly; contrary to expectations; surprisingly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that something turned out differently or to a greater or lesser degree than one had anticipated. Can convey pleasant or unpleasant surprise..
On the other hand, 思いがけず (おもいがけず (omoigakezu)) maps to "unexpectedly, by chance, contrary to expectations" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes an event or situation that was not anticipated or planned.. A literal translation of "unexpectedly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "思いのほか"
試験は思いのほか難しかった。
The exam was unexpectedly difficult.
Bilingual Context for "思いがけず"
思いがけず昔の友人に会った。
I unexpectedly met an old friend.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "試験は ＿＿＿ 難しかった。" (Meaning: "The exam was unexpectedly difficult.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "思いのほか" fits here because it means "unexpectedly; contrary to expectations; surprisingly" in the context of: "The exam was unexpectedly difficult.". "思いがけず" represents "unexpectedly, by chance, contrary to expectations".