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
期せずして
きせずして (kisezu shite)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "unexpectedly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 思いのほか and 期せずして.
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, 期せずして (きせずして (kisezu shite)) maps to "unexpectedly, by chance, coincidentally" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An adverbial phrase indicating that something happened without being planned or expected. More formal than 偶然. 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 "期せずして"
彼とは期せずして同じ列車に乗り合わせた。
I unexpectedly happened to be on the same train as him.
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.". "期せずして" represents "unexpectedly, by chance, coincidentally".