思(おも)いがけず

おもいがけず

adverb

unexpectedly; by chance

See also: 思(おも)いがけない (adjective form)

1. unexpectedly; by chance; unintentionally

Something happens without anticipation or intention. Often carries a sense of pleasant or neutral surprise.

I unexpectedly ran into an old friend.

I was very happy to receive a gift unexpectedly.

思(おも)いがけず時間(じかん)がかかってしまった。

It unexpectedly took a long time.

思(おも)い (thought) + がけ (expectation) + ず (negation)

Literally 'without expecting.'

Neutral to slightly formal. Literary flavor.

意外(いがい)と/案外(あんがい) - unexpectedly (focuses on result being different than expected)
たまたま - by chance, coincidentally
ふと - suddenly, casually (for thoughts or actions)

Related Words

Related: たまたま (by chance)

general

Added 2026.1.19 11:58 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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