Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Unexpectedly" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "unexpectedly", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
案外
あんがい (angai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
思いのほか
おもいのほか (omoi no hoka)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "unexpectedly" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 案外 and 思いのほか.
In Japanese, 案外 (あんがい (angai)) is typically associated with "unexpectedly, surprisingly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 思ったより、予想と違ってという意味で使われます。Something is different from what one expected or imagined..
On the other hand, 思いのほか (おもいのほか (omoi no hoka)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "unexpectedly" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "案外"
このテストは案外簡単だった。
This test was surprisingly easy.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このテストは ＿＿＿ 簡単だった。" (Meaning: "This test was surprisingly easy.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "案外" fits here because it means "unexpectedly, surprisingly" in the context of: "This test was surprisingly easy.". "思いのほか" represents "unexpectedly; contrary to expectations; surprisingly".