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.
彼(かれ)は意外(いがい)と真面目(まじめ)な人(ひと)だった。
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.

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

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

REGISTER:
Casual to neutral. Common in everyday conversation.

MODIFIES:
Usually modifies adjectives or verb phrases expressing qualities or states.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 案外(あんがい) - unexpectedly (similar, slightly more casual)
  • 思(おも)いのほか - more than expected
  • 思(おも)いがけず - unexpectedly (emphasizes surprise)

Related Words

Synonym: 案外(あんがい) (unexpectedly)
Related: 思(おも)いのほか (more than expected)
general
Added 2026.1.19 11:58 · Revised 2026.1.24 23:24
07000/07151_igaito