意 外(いがい)と

いがいと

adverb

unexpectedly; surprisingly

1. unexpectedly; surprisingly

Indicates that something turned out differently from what was expected, often in a positive or neutral way.

この料理(りょうり)、意外(いがい)とおいしいね。

This dish is surprisingly delicious.

He turned out to be surprisingly serious.

難(むずか)しそうに見(み)えたけど、意外(いがい)と簡単(かんたん)だった。

It looked difficult, but it was surprisingly easy.

意外(いがい) (unexpected) + と (adverb particle)

意外(いがい)に is also used with the same meaning.

Casual to neutral. Common in everyday conversation.

Usually modifies adjectives or verb phrases expressing qualities or states.

案外(あんがい) - unexpectedly (very close; 意外(いがい)と sounds a little more conversational)
思(おも)いのほか - more than expected
思(おも)いがけず - unexpectedly (emphasizes surprise)

Related Words

general

Added 2026.1.19 11:58 · Revised 2026.10.11 21:20

07000/07151_igaito