synonym Comparative
思いもよらない
VS
意外な
Differences Between "思いもよらない" and "意外な"
Option A
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.
Option B
意外な
Meaning
unexpected, surprising
Reading
いがいな (igaina)
Syllabus Level
B2
Practical Example
これはとても意外なですね。
This is very unexpected, surprising, isn't it?
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(unexpected, unforeseen, surprising (even beyond expectation))"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 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)
- 意外な: Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus. (CEFR B2語彙シラバスにおける重要表現です。)
- 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)
- 意外な: Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus. (CEFR B2語彙シラバスにおける重要表現です。)
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!