予 期(よき)せず

よきせず

adverb

unexpectedly

time-general

1. unexpectedly; without anticipation

Classical negative form of 予期(よき)する. Used in written and formal contexts.

予期(よき)せず出会(であ)った。

We met unexpectedly.

予期(よき)せぬ事態(じたい)に備(そな)える必要(ひつよう)がある。

We need to prepare for unforeseen situations.

予期(よき)せぬ来客(らいきゃく)があり、会議(かいぎ)が中断(ちゅうだん)された。

An unexpected visitor arrived and the meeting was interrupted.

Formed from 予期(よき)する (to anticipate) plus the classical negative せず/せぬ. The prenominal form 予期(よき)せぬ modifies nouns directly, while 予期(よき)せず functions adverbially.

Common collocations

予期(よき)せぬ事態(じたい): unforeseen situation
予期(よき)せぬ出来事(できごと): unexpected event
予期(よき)せぬ展開(てんかい): unexpected development
予期(よき)せず訪(おとず)れる: to arrive unexpectedly

Similar words

思(おも)いがけず: unexpectedly (more conversational and emotional)
不意(ふい)に: suddenly, without warning (emphasizes surprise)
突然(とつぜん): suddenly (neutral, very common)
予想外(よそうがい)に: beyond expectations (emphasizes exceeding predictions)

Related Words

Compare: 思(おも)いがけず (unexpectedly)

Compare: 不意(ふい)に (suddenly, without warning)

Compare: 突然(とつぜん) (suddenly)

Compare: 予想外(よそうがい) (beyond expectations)

general

Added 2026.4.19 20:12 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

24000/24456_yokisezu