Translation guide
The English adverb 'surprisingly' expresses that something is unexpected or contrary to what one might think. In Japanese, this idea is conveyed through various adverbs, phrases, and sentence-ending expressions, depending on the nuance and context.
Expressing that something is unexpected or different from what was assumed.
Common adverb meaning 'unexpectedly' or 'more than expected'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
この料理は意外と簡単だ。
This dish is surprisingly easy.
Similar to 意外と, but slightly more formal. Often interchangeable.
試験は意外に難しかった。
The exam was surprisingly difficult.
Means 'unexpectedly' or 'contrary to expectations'. Often used when something turns out better or different than thought.
案外、彼は早く着いた。
Surprisingly, he arrived early.
Literally 'to my surprise', used at the beginning of a sentence to express surprise.
驚いたことに、彼はもう帰っていた。
Surprisingly, he had already gone home.
Highlighting that the degree or extent is unexpectedly high or low.
Adverb meaning 'quite' or 'surprisingly'. Often implies more than expected.
この店は結構高いね。
This restaurant is surprisingly expensive, isn't it?
Means 'considerably' or 'fairly'. Can convey surprise at the extent.
彼はかなり上手だ。
He is surprisingly good.
Means 'very' or 'considerably', often with a nuance of surprise. Slightly more formal or emphatic.
Using sentence-final particles or phrases to convey that the information is surprising or unexpected.
Attach to a clause to mean 'I didn't think that...'. Expresses surprise at an outcome.
彼が来るとは思わなかった。
I didn't think he would come. (Surprisingly, he came.)
Used to express surprise or disbelief, often with a negative connotation. 'To think that...'
彼が嘘をつくなんて。
I can't believe he lied. (Surprisingly, he lied.)
Exclamation meaning 'No way!' or 'Unbelievable!'. Can be used alone or in a sentence.
Both mean 'unexpectedly', but 意外と is more common in casual speech, while 意外に is slightly more formal and often used in writing. They are largely interchangeable.
Avoid directly translating 'surprisingly' as 驚くほど (odoroku hodo) in most contexts. While it can mean 'surprisingly', it is often too literal and less natural than 意外と or 案外. Use 驚くほど mainly for emphasizing an extreme degree.
驚くほど安い。
Surprisingly cheap (astonishingly cheap).
随分大きくなったね。
You've grown surprisingly big!
Surprisingly, he won. (I never expected him to win.)