予期(よき)せず

よきせず
adverb
unexpectedly
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)
general
Added 2026.4.19 20:12
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