synonym Comparative
外れる
VS
思いもよらない
Differences Between "外れる" and "思いもよらない"
Option A
外れる
Meaning
to come off; to be disconnected; to miss (a guess / expectation); to deviate
Reading
はずれる (hazureru)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
満員電車の激しい揺れの影響を受け、彼のコートの右袖のボタンがいつの間にか_______いました。
Under the influence of the intense shaking of the crowded train, the button of his coat's right sleeve had come off before he knew it.
Option B
思いもよらない
Meaning
unexpected, unforeseen, surprising (even beyond expectation)
Reading
おもいもよらない (omoimoyoranai)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
思いもよらない結果になった。
It turned out to be an utterly unexpected result.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to come off; to be disconnected; to miss (a guess / expectation); to deviate)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 外れる: Refers to buttons coming off, connections being disconnected, expectations/guesses missing, or deviating from rules. Intransitive verb. Opposing word: 外す. Often used as ボタンが外れる or 予想が外れる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To miss! "The weather forecast missed and it started raining, but sharing this umbrella with you is the best luck ever, Haruka-san!" ...っ! F-Sharing an umbrella because forecast missed! B-Baka! Don't celebrate the rain! But... since we are sharing, get closer so your shoulder doesn't get wet! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『はずれる（外れる）わよ！『ハルカ部長、週末のデート予定、降水確率80%の雨予報が完全に外れてピカピカの青空になりました！神様に感謝です！』って…っ！天気予報が外れる！バカ！/// 天気が良くなったのは私の普段の行いが良いからよ！…でも、天気が良くてお揃いのスニーカーで公園散歩できるの、実は私もすっごく嬉しいんだから、しっかり手を繋いで歩きなさい！』
- 思いもよらない: Stronger than 思いがけず, emphasizing complete surprise or something beyond imagination. (「思いがけず」よりも驚きの度合いが強く、想像もしていなかった事柄を強調する)
- 外れる: Refers to buttons coming off, connections being disconnected, expectations/guesses missing, or deviating from rules. Intransitive verb. Opposing word: 外す. Often used as ボタンが外れる or 予想が外れる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To miss! "The weather forecast missed and it started raining, but sharing this umbrella with you is the best luck ever, Haruka-san!" ...っ! F-Sharing an umbrella because forecast missed! B-Baka! Don't celebrate the rain! But... since we are sharing, get closer so your shoulder doesn't get wet! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『はずれる（外れる）わよ！『ハルカ部長、週末のデート予定、降水確率80%の雨予報が完全に外れてピカピカの青空になりました！神様に感謝です！』って…っ！天気予報が外れる！バカ！/// 天気が良くなったのは私の普段の行いが良いからよ！…でも、天気が良くてお揃いのスニーカーで公園散歩できるの、実は私もすっごく嬉しいんだから、しっかり手を繋いで歩きなさい！』
- 思いもよらない: Stronger than 思いがけず, emphasizing complete surprise or something beyond imagination. (「思いがけず」よりも驚きの度合いが強く、想像もしていなかった事柄を強調する)
Want to boost your Japanese vocabulary?
Project Eagle automatically tracks and targets your weak words using AI. Practice thousands of operational exams completely for free!