意外(いがい)に

いがいに
adverb
surprisingly, unexpectedly
1. surprisingly, unexpectedly, contrary to expectation
Indicates that something turned out differently from what was expected. Often carries a tone of mild surprise.
意外(いがい)に簡単(かんたん)だった。
It was surprisingly easy.
この料理(りょうり)は意外(いがい)においしい。
This dish is unexpectedly delicious.
彼女(かのじょ)は意外(いがい)にスポーツが得意(とくい)らしい。
Apparently she's surprisingly good at sports.

Expresses that something differs from the speaker's prior assumption or common expectation. It is conversational and commonly used in everyday speech.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 意外(いがい)に多(おお)い: surprisingly many
  • 意外(いがい)に少(すく)ない: surprisingly few
  • 意外(いがい)に難(むずか)しい: surprisingly difficult
  • 意外(いがい)に近(ちか)い: surprisingly close

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 案外(あんがい): unexpectedly — very close in meaning but slightly more colloquial; often implies a positive surprise
  • 思(おも)いのほか: more than expected — emphasizes exceeding expectations
  • 予想外(よそうがい)に: contrary to prediction — more formal, often used in writing

USAGE:
意外(いがい)に can also appear as 意外(いがい)と in casual speech, with essentially the same meaning.

general
Added 2026.3.27 14:27
19500/19889_igaini