意外(いがい)

いがい
na-adjective, noun
unexpected, surprising
emotionevaluation
See also: 以外(いがい) (other than, except)
1. unexpected, surprising
Something that is contrary to what one expected or anticipated. Can be used as a na-adjective or as a noun meaning 'unexpectedness.'
意外(いがい)な結果(けっか)だった。
It was an unexpected result.
彼(かれ)が料理(りょうり)上手(じょうず)なのは意外(いがい)だった。
It was surprising that he was good at cooking.
意外(いがい)にも、試験(しけん)の問題(もんだい)は簡単(かんたん)だった。
Surprisingly, the exam questions were easy.
意外(いがい)にも is an adverbial usage meaning 'surprisingly' or 'contrary to expectations.'

意外(いがい) means something is contrary to expectations — either positively or negatively surprising.

Common patterns

  • 意外(いがい)な + noun: unexpected (adjective)
  • 意外(いがい)に / 意外(いがい)にも: surprisingly (adverb)
  • 意外(いがい)と: unexpectedly, more than expected (colloquial adverb)

Common collocations

CONTRAST WITH 以外(いがい):

  • 意外(いがい): unexpected, surprising (adjective/noun)
  • 以外(いがい): other than, besides (noun/particle)

These are homophones but have completely different meanings and kanji.

Related Words

Homophone: 以外(いがい) (other than, besides)
Related: 思(おも)いがけない (unexpected)
general
Added 2026.2.22 18:56 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
12500/12741_igai