1.
unexpectedly; by chance; unintentionally
Something happens without anticipation or intention. Often carries a sense of pleasant or neutral surprise.
思いがけず旧友に会った。
I unexpectedly ran into an old friend.
思いがけずプレゼントをもらって、とても嬉しかった。
I was very happy to receive a gift unexpectedly.
思いがけず時間がかかってしまった。
It unexpectedly took a long time.
FORMATION:
思い (thought) + がけ (expectation) + ず (negation)
Literally 'without expecting.'
RELATED FORMS:
- 思いがけない - unexpected (adjective)
- 思いがけなく - unexpectedly (adverb form)
REGISTER:
Neutral to slightly formal. Literary flavor.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 意外と/案外 - unexpectedly (focuses on result being different than expected)
- たまたま - by chance, coincidentally
- ふと - suddenly, casually (for thoughts or actions)