ことに

ことに
adverb
especially, particularly; ironically
1. especially, particularly
Emphasizes that something is true to a greater degree than usual.
ことに冬(ふゆ)は寒(さむ)い。
It's especially cold in winter.
2. ironically, as luck would have it
Introduces an ironic or unexpected situation (often as 〜なことに).
皮肉(ひにく)なことに、医者(いしゃ)が病気(びょうき)になった。
Ironically, the doctor fell ill.
残念(ざんねん)なことに、雨(あめ)が降(ふ)り出(だ)した。
Unfortunately, it started to rain.
幸(さいわ)いなことに、誰(だれ)も怪我(けが)をしなかった。
Fortunately, no one was injured.

ことに has two distinct uses as an adverb.

USE 1: ESPECIALLY

  • Emphasizes degree
  • Similar to 特(とく)に, 殊(こと)に
  • ことに〜だ/ことに〜が〜

USE 2: 〜なことに (IRONICALLY/FORTUNATELY)

  • Introduces situation with emotional evaluation
  • Always follows na-adjective or の

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 皮肉(ひにく)なことに (ironically)
  • 残念(ざんねん)なことに (unfortunately)
  • 幸(さいわ)いなことに (fortunately)
  • 驚(おどろ)いたことに (surprisingly)
  • 困(こま)ったことに (unfortunately, problematically)

NOTE: When written as 殊(こと)に, it typically means "especially" (sense 1).

general
Added 2026.2.3 10:43
09500/09581_kotoni