不意(ふい)

ふい
noun, no-adjective
unexpected, sudden, off guard
time-general
1. unexpected, sudden, catching off guard
Something that happens without warning or preparation. Often used in the pattern 不意(ふい)を突(つ)く (to catch off guard) or 不意(ふい)に (suddenly, unexpectedly).
不意(ふい)に声(こえ)をかけられた。
Someone suddenly called out to me.
不意(ふい)の来客(らいきゃく)に驚(おどろ)いた。
I was surprised by an unexpected visitor.
不意(ふい)を突(つ)かれて、何(なに)も言(い)い返(かえ)せなかった。
I was caught off guard and couldn't say anything back.

Common patterns

  • 不意(ふい)に: suddenly, unexpectedly (adverbial use)
  • 不意(ふい)を突(つ)く: to catch off guard, to take by surprise
  • 不意(ふい)の〜: unexpected ~ (adjectival use with の)

Forms

不(ふ) (not) + 意(い) (intention, expectation)

Common collocations

Related Words

Synonym: 突然(とつぜん) (suddenly (emphasizes abruptness))
general
Added 2026.2.16 10:06 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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