예상치 못하다 en 30 secondes
- Means unexpected or unforeseen.
- Used for events not predicted.
- Can be positive or negative surprises.
- Common in news and stories.
The Korean phrase '예상치 못하다' (yesangchi mothada) is a descriptive adjective that conveys the idea of something being unexpected, unforeseen, or surprising. It's formed by combining '예상' (yesang), meaning 'expectation' or 'estimation', with '치' (chi), a particle indicating the degree or extent, and '못하다' (mothada), which means 'to not be able to' or 'to fail'. When put together, it literally translates to something like 'unable to be estimated' or 'beyond expectation'.
This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations, news reports, and literature to describe events, situations, or outcomes that were not anticipated. It can be applied to both positive and negative surprises. For instance, a sudden promotion at work might be '예상치 못하다', or an unexpected natural disaster could also be described as such. The nuance lies in the element of surprise and the lack of prior foresight.
Native Korean speakers frequently employ '예상치 못하다' when recounting personal experiences, discussing future uncertainties, or analyzing past events. It adds a layer of depth by highlighting the element of surprise or lack of preparedness. It's a versatile expression that can modify nouns or act as a predicate, making it a fundamental part of expressing unpredictability in Korean.
Consider the feeling of receiving a gift you never thought you'd get, or encountering a problem you didn't see coming. These are precisely the situations where '예상치 못하다' fits perfectly. It’s a way to articulate that a situation has unfolded in a manner that deviates from what was planned or predicted, often catching people off guard.
The grammatical structure allows it to be used in various sentence constructions. It can appear as '예상치 못한 + noun' (unexpected noun) or as a complete predicate '예상치 못했다' (it was unexpected). Understanding this flexibility is key to using it effectively in your Korean communication. It’s a word that helps paint a vivid picture of events that defy prediction.
- Etymology
- The word is a combination of '예상' (expectation), '치' (particle indicating degree), and '못하다' (to not be able to). This construction emphasizes that something is beyond the scope of what could be expected or predicted.
- Usage Context
- Used in both formal and informal settings to describe surprising events, outcomes, or situations.
- Grammatical Function
- Primarily functions as an adjective, often preceding a noun (예상치 못한) or used predicatively.
이 결과는 정말 예상치 못했다.
그녀의 갑작스러운 방문은 예상치 못했던 일이었다.
- Breakdown
- 예상 (yesang): Expectation, estimation, forecast.
치 (chi): A particle indicating extent or degree, often used with negative verbs to mean 'beyond'.
못하다 (mothada): To not be able to, to fail.
예상치 못한 성공이었다.
'예상치 못하다' is a versatile phrase that can be used in various grammatical structures to express unexpectedness. The most common way to use it is as a predicate, directly describing a situation or event.
As a Predicate (Describing a situation):
When used as a predicate, it often appears at the end of a sentence, describing the unexpected nature of something. The tense can be adjusted accordingly (present, past, future).
오늘 날씨가 예상치 못하게 추웠어요.
Here, '예상치 못하게' is an adverbial form, modifying the adjective '추웠어요' (was cold).
그 소식은 정말 예상치 못했다.
In this case, '예상치 못했다' directly describes the news.
As an Adjective Modifier (Describing a noun):
When '예상치 못하다' modifies a noun, it takes the form '예상치 못한' (yesangchi mothan). This functions like 'unexpected' or 'unforeseen' in English.
예상치 못한 사고가 발생했습니다.
'예상치 못한' modifies the noun '사고' (accident).
그녀는 예상치 못한 선물을 주었다.
Here, '예상치 못한' modifies '선물' (gift).
Variations and Nuances:
The adverbial form '예상치 못하게' (yesangchi mothage) is used to modify verbs or adjectives, indicating that an action or state occurred unexpectedly.
그는 예상치 못하게 시험에 합격했다.
The past tense '예상치 못했다' is very common for recounting past events.
그때의 상황은 정말 예상치 못했다.
Mastering these forms will allow you to effectively communicate surprises and unforeseen circumstances in Korean.
You'll encounter '예상치 못하다' in a wide range of contexts, reflecting its broad applicability in describing the unexpected. It’s a staple in everyday Korean communication and media.
News and Current Events: News reports frequently use this phrase to describe surprising developments, accidents, or natural disasters. For example, a news anchor might say, '이번 태풍은 예상치 못한 경로로 이동하고 있습니다' (This typhoon is moving on an unexpected path).
예상치 못한 폭락으로 시장이 혼란에 빠졌다.
Personal Anecdotes and Stories: When friends share stories, they often use '예상치 못하다' to add drama or emphasize a surprising turn of events. '길을 걷다가 예상치 못한 친구를 만났어!' (While walking down the street, I unexpectedly met a friend!).
그녀의 승진 소식은 모두에게 예상치 못한 기쁨이었다.
Literature and Fiction: Authors use this phrase to create plot twists, introduce surprising characters, or describe unforeseen challenges faced by protagonists. A novel might describe a character's '예상치 못한 조력자' (unexpected helper).
이야기의 결말은 예상치 못한 방향으로 흘러갔다.
Business and Economics: In reports or discussions about market trends, financial performance, or project outcomes, '예상치 못하다' is used to highlight deviations from forecasts. For example, '회사의 수익이 예상치를 훨씬 넘어섰다' (The company's profit far exceeded expectations).
예상치 못한 지출이 발생하여 예산을 초과했다.
Academic and Research Papers: In studies discussing results or findings, researchers might note '예상치 못한 결과' (unexpected results) that warrant further investigation.
실험에서 예상치 못한 변수가 발견되었다.
Essentially, any situation where surprise or a deviation from the norm is a key element is a place where you'll hear or read '예상치 못하다'.
Learners of Korean might sometimes misuse '예상치 못하다' due to confusion with similar expressions or grammatical nuances. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
1. Confusing '예상치 못한' (adjective) with '예상대로' (as expected):
A common error is using '예상치 못한' when the situation was actually predictable or occurred as planned. For instance, saying '예상치 못한 결과가 나왔다' (An unexpected result came out) when the result was actually anticipated.
Mistake: 비가 올 것이라고 예상치 못했다. (I did not expect it to rain.) - *Incorrect if rain was forecast.*
Correct: 비가 올 것이라고 예상했다. (I expected it to rain.) or 비가 올 줄 몰랐다. (I didn't know it would rain.)
2. Incorrectly forming the adjective form:
When '예상치 못하다' is used to modify a noun, it must be in the form '예상치 못한'. Forgetting the 'ㄴ' (n) at the end can lead to grammatical errors.
Mistake: 예상치 못하다 사고가 났다. (Unexpected accident happened.)
Correct: 예상치 못한 사고가 났다. (An unexpected accident happened.)
3. Overusing '예상치 못하게' (adverb) when a simpler form suffices:
While '예상치 못하게' is correct for modifying verbs or adjectives, sometimes a direct predicate form is more natural or simpler.
Mistake: 그는 예상치 못하게 기뻐했다. (He was unexpectedly happy.) - *This is grammatically correct but can sometimes sound a bit stiff depending on context.*
More Natural Alternative: 그는 정말 기뻐했다. (He was really happy.) or 그의 기쁨은 예상 밖이었다. (His happiness was beyond expectation.) - *If the focus is solely on the unexpectedness.*
4. Confusing with similar negative expressions:
Students might confuse '예상치 못하다' with other ways of expressing lack of knowledge or surprise, leading to unnatural phrasing.
Mistake: 나는 그것을 예상치 못했다. (I did not expect that.) - *This is correct, but sometimes learners might use it where '몰랐다' (I didn't know) or '생각 못 했다' (I didn't think of it) would be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance.*
Example where '몰랐다' is better: 그가 온다는 것을 몰랐다. (I didn't know he was coming.) - *Here, '예상치 못했다' could imply you had some expectation but it turned out wrong, while '몰랐다' simply means you had no information.*
5. Incorrect tense or conjugation:
As with any verb or adjective, incorrect conjugation of '못하다' can lead to errors. Ensure the correct past tense ('예상치 못했다') or other conjugations are used.
Mistake: 어제 예상치 못하다. (Yesterday unexpected.) - *Incorrect tense.*
Correct: 어제 예상치 못했다. (Yesterday it was unexpected.)
Paying attention to these common pitfalls will help you use '예상치 못하다' more accurately and naturally.
While '예상치 못하다' is a very useful phrase, Korean offers several other words and expressions that convey similar meanings of surprise or unpredictability, each with subtle differences in nuance and usage.
- 1. 의외의 (ui-oe-ui)
- Meaning: Unexpected, surprising, contrary to expectation.
Usage: This is often used as an adjective directly modifying a noun, similar to '예상치 못한'. It emphasizes a result or outcome that is contrary to what was generally thought or believed.
Example: 의외의 결과 (unexpected result), 의외의 인물 (unexpected person).
Comparison: '의외의' often implies a more striking or remarkable surprise compared to '예상치 못한', which can be more general.
Sentence: 그의 승리는 정말 의외였다. (His victory was truly unexpected.)
- 2. 뜻밖의 (tteut-bakk-ui)
- Meaning: Unexpected, surprising, out of the blue.
Usage: Similar to '의외의', it's typically used to modify nouns. It often carries a stronger sense of suddenness or a pleasant surprise, though it can also be used for negative surprises.
Example: 뜻밖의 행운 (unexpected good fortune), 뜻밖의 소식 (unexpected news).
Comparison: '뜻밖의' can feel a bit more informal and sometimes more emotionally charged than '예상치 못한'.
Sentence: 나는 뜻밖의 선물을 받았다. (I received an unexpected gift.)
- 3. 놀라운 (nol-la-un)
- Meaning: Surprising, amazing, astonishing.
Usage: This is a direct adjective meaning 'surprising'. While it implies something was unexpected, its primary focus is on the feeling of amazement it evokes.
Example: 놀라운 광경 (amazing sight), 놀라운 발전 (astonishing development).
Comparison: '놀라운' focuses more on the reaction (surprise, wonder) rather than the lack of foresight itself. Something can be '놀라운' without necessarily being '예상치 못한' if it was expected but still astonishing.
Sentence: 그의 연기는 정말 놀라웠다. (His acting was truly amazing/surprising.)
- 4. 모르다 (mo-reu-da) / 알지 못하다 (al-ji mot-ha-da)
- Meaning: To not know.
Usage: This is a fundamental verb and can be used to express a lack of awareness, which often leads to surprise.
Comparison: '모르다' is about a lack of knowledge, while '예상치 못하다' is about a failure to predict or anticipate. You might not know something will happen ('모르다'), and therefore it is unexpected ('예상치 못하다').
Sentence: 내일 비가 올지 몰랐다. (I didn't know it would rain tomorrow.) - *This implies it was unexpected.*
- 5. 생각지도 못하다 (saeng-gak-ji-do mo-ta-da)
- Meaning: To not even think of, to not imagine.
Usage: This expression emphasizes a deeper level of unexpectedness, implying that the event was so far from being considered that one didn't even contemplate its possibility.
Comparison: Stronger than '예상치 못하다', suggesting complete lack of imagination regarding the event.
Sentence: 그런 일이 일어날 줄은 생각지도 못했다. (I never even imagined such a thing would happen.)
When choosing between these alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey: the degree of surprise, whether it's a pleasant or unpleasant event, and the level of formality.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The structure of '예상치 못하다' is quite common in Korean for expressing negation of ability or possibility. For example, '알지 못하다' (to not know) follows a similar pattern. The '치' particle here emphasizes that the action of '예상하다' (to expect) is not possible or has failed.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing '치' (chi) too forcefully, making it sound like 'kchi'.
- Not clearly distinguishing between '상' (sang) and '성' (seong).
- Omitting the 't' sound in '못하다' (mothada), making it sound like '모하다'.
Niveau de difficulté
Comprehensible in simple texts with context. Understanding nuanced usage in complex sentences might require more effort. The core meaning is straightforward.
Relatively easy to use correctly in basic sentences. Forming complex sentences or using it in very formal contexts might be challenging.
Easy to incorporate into everyday conversation when describing surprising events. Pronunciation is generally manageable.
The meaning is usually clear from context, even if the exact phrase isn't recognized immediately. Common in everyday speech.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Using the adjective modifier form '예상치 못한' before a noun.
예상치 못한 결과 (unexpected result).
Using the predicate form '예상치 못하다' (or its conjugated forms) at the end of a sentence.
그것은 예상치 못했다. (That was unexpected.)
Using the adverbial form '예상치 못하게' to modify verbs or adjectives.
날씨가 예상치 못하게 추워졌다. (The weather became unexpectedly cold.)
Forming subordinate clauses with verbs like '알다' or '생각하다' to express not expecting something.
그가 올 줄 몰랐다. (I didn't know he was coming / didn't expect him to come.)
Using particles like '은/는' with nouns before the predicate form.
그 소식은 예상치 못했다. (That news was unexpected.)
Exemples par niveau
이것은 예상치 못했어요.
This was unexpected.
Simple past tense predicate.
예상치 못한 손님이 왔어요.
An unexpected guest came.
Adjective modifying a noun.
날씨가 예상치 못하게 변했어요.
The weather unexpectedly changed.
Adverbial form modifying a verb.
그 소식은 예상치 못했어.
That news was unexpected.
Informal past tense predicate.
예상치 못한 선물이 좋았어요.
The unexpected gift was good.
Adjective modifying a noun, followed by a descriptive adjective.
이것은 예상치 못한 결과야.
This is an unexpected result.
Informal adjective modifying a noun.
갑자기 예상치 못한 일이 생겼어요.
Suddenly, an unexpected thing happened.
Adjective modifying a noun, with an adverb indicating suddenness.
예상치 못한 만남이었어요.
It was an unexpected meeting.
Adjective modifying a noun, used as a predicate.
그들의 반응은 예상치 못했다.
Their reaction was unexpected.
Past tense predicate.
예상치 못한 성공을 거두었다.
Achieved an unexpected success.
Verb phrase with adjective modifying noun.
그는 예상치 못한 질문을 했다.
He asked an unexpected question.
Adjective modifying a noun.
예상치 못하게 문제가 발생했다.
A problem occurred unexpectedly.
Adverbial form modifying a verb.
이것은 전혀 예상치 못한 일이다.
This is a completely unexpected matter.
Predicate with an intensifier.
그녀의 결정은 예상치 못한 것이었다.
Her decision was an unexpected one.
Predicate with a pronoun.
예상치 못한 어려움에 직면했다.
Faced unexpected difficulties.
Verb phrase with adjective modifying noun.
우리는 예상치 못한 상황에 대비해야 한다.
We must prepare for unexpected situations.
Future tense obligation with adjective modifying noun.
그가 그런 말을 할 줄은 예상치 못했다.
I did not expect him to say such a thing.
Subordinate clause indicating what was not expected.
예상치 못한 지출이 발생하여 계획을 수정해야 했다.
Unexpected expenses occurred, so we had to revise the plan.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a consequential clause.
그녀의 갑작스러운 사임은 예상치 못한 충격이었다.
Her sudden resignation was an unexpected shock.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by another noun indicating the nature of the surprise.
예상치 못한 기회가 찾아왔을 때 잡아야 한다.
When an unexpected opportunity comes, you must seize it.
Conditional clause with adjective modifying noun.
그 사건은 우리에게 예상치 못한 교훈을 주었다.
That incident gave us an unexpected lesson.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a direct object.
예상치 못한 결과에 대해 논의할 필요가 있다.
There is a need to discuss the unexpected results.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a verb phrase indicating necessity.
그의 노력은 예상치 못한 성공으로 이어졌다.
His efforts led to unexpected success.
Adjective modifying noun, indicating a consequence.
이러한 변화는 예상치 못하게 일어났다.
These changes happened unexpectedly.
Adverbial form modifying a verb, with a demonstrative pronoun.
예상치 못한 팬데믹은 전 세계 경제에 막대한 영향을 미쳤다.
The unexpected pandemic had a huge impact on the global economy.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a complex predicate.
그녀는 예상치 못한 재능을 발휘하여 모두를 놀라게 했다.
She displayed unexpected talent, surprising everyone.
Verb phrase with adjective modifying noun, followed by a consequential clause.
예상치 못한 난관에도 불구하고, 그는 목표를 향해 나아갔다.
Despite unexpected difficulties, he moved towards his goal.
Concessive clause with adjective modifying noun.
이 발명은 예상치 못한 방식으로 문제를 해결했다.
This invention solved the problem in an unexpected way.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by an adverbial phrase.
예상치 못한 결과가 나오자 연구팀은 혼란에 빠졌다.
When unexpected results emerged, the research team fell into confusion.
Temporal clause with adjective modifying noun.
그는 예상치 못한 곳에서 도움의 손길을 받았다.
He received a helping hand from an unexpected place.
Adverbial phrase with adjective modifying noun.
예상치 못한 사고로 인해 교통이 마비되었다.
Traffic was paralyzed due to an unexpected accident.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a cause-and-effect structure.
이러한 예측 불가능성은 예상치 못한 위험을 초래할 수 있다.
This unpredictability can lead to unexpected dangers.
Noun phrase with adjective modifying noun.
예상치 못한 시장 변동은 투자자들에게 큰 불안감을 안겨주었다.
The unexpected market fluctuations caused great anxiety among investors.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a complex predicate conveying emotional impact.
그녀의 예상치 못한 용기는 절망에 빠진 이들에게 희망을 주었다.
Her unexpected courage gave hope to those in despair.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a phrase describing the recipients of the action.
예상치 못한 사건의 연속은 그의 삶의 궤적을 완전히 바꾸어 놓았다.
A series of unexpected events completely changed the trajectory of his life.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a predicate indicating a drastic change.
우리는 예상치 못한 도전에 맞서 창의적인 해결책을 모색해야 했다.
We had to seek creative solutions in the face of unexpected challenges.
Verb phrase with adjective modifying noun, followed by a verb of seeking.
예상치 못한 발견은 과학계에 엄청난 파장을 일으켰다.
The unexpected discovery caused enormous ripples in the scientific community.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a predicate indicating a significant impact.
그는 예상치 못한 방식으로 위기를 기회로 전환시키는 능력이 있었다.
He had the ability to turn crises into opportunities in unexpected ways.
Adverbial phrase with adjective modifying noun, followed by a noun phrase indicating ability.
예상치 못한 재난으로 인해 수많은 이재민이 발생했다.
Numerous victims resulted from the unexpected disaster.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a predicate indicating consequence.
이러한 예상치 못한 전개는 앞으로의 상황을 더욱 불확실하게 만들었다.
This unexpected development made the future situation even more uncertain.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a predicate indicating increased uncertainty.
예상치 못한 지정학적 변화는 국제 질서의 근본적인 재편을 초래할 수 있다.
Unexpected geopolitical shifts can bring about a fundamental reshaping of the international order.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a complex predicate indicating profound change.
그녀의 예상치 못한 통찰력은 오랫동안 난제로 여겨졌던 문제를 해결하는 실마리를 제공했다.
Her unexpected insight provided a clue to solving a problem long considered intractable.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a predicate indicating a solution to a difficult problem.
예상치 못한 기술 혁신은 기존 산업의 패러다임을 송두리째 바꾸어 놓을 잠재력을 지니고 있다.
Unexpected technological innovations possess the potential to completely change the paradigm of existing industries.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a predicate indicating transformative potential.
예상치 못한 복병의 출현은 경쟁 구도를 완전히 뒤바꾸어 놓았다.
The emergence of an unexpected dark horse completely overturned the competitive landscape.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a predicate indicating a shift in dynamics.
인간의 심리는 예상치 못한 방식으로 작동하며, 이는 예측 모델을 더욱 복잡하게 만든다.
Human psychology operates in unexpected ways, making predictive models more complex.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a predicate explaining its effect on models.
예상치 못한 과학적 발견은 인류의 우주에 대한 이해를 근본적으로 확장시켰다.
An unexpected scientific discovery fundamentally expanded humanity's understanding of the universe.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a predicate indicating a fundamental expansion of knowledge.
그는 예상치 못한 난관에 봉착했을 때조차도 침착함을 잃지 않았다.
He did not lose his composure even when faced with unexpected hurdles.
Adverbial clause with adjective modifying noun, followed by a predicate indicating resilience.
예상치 못한 전염병의 확산은 사회 전반에 걸쳐 전례 없는 변화를 야기했다.
The spread of the unexpected epidemic caused unprecedented changes across society.
Adjective modifying noun, followed by a predicate indicating widespread and unprecedented change.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— It was unexpected. / I didn't expect it.
그 결과는 정말 예상치 못했다. (That result was truly unexpected.)
— Unexpected (used before a noun).
예상치 못한 사고가 발생했다. (An unexpected accident occurred.)
— Unexpectedly (used to modify verbs or adjectives).
날씨가 예상치 못하게 추워졌다. (The weather became unexpectedly cold.)
— Completely unexpected. / I didn't expect it at all.
그는 전혀 예상치 못한 방식으로 문제를 해결했다. (He solved the problem in a way that was completely unexpected.)
— An unexpected event/matter.
예상치 못한 일이 생겨서 약속을 취소해야 했다. (An unexpected thing happened, so I had to cancel the appointment.)
— An unexpected change.
그녀의 삶에 예상치 못한 변화가 찾아왔다. (An unexpected change came into her life.)
— Unexpected success.
그 영화는 예상치 못한 성공을 거두었다. (That movie achieved unexpected success.)
— An unexpected encounter.
여행 중에 예상치 못한 만남이 있었다. (There was an unexpected encounter during the trip.)
— Unexpected difficulty.
프로젝트 진행 중에 예상치 못한 어려움이 생겼다. (Unexpected difficulties arose during the project.)
— Unexpected opportunity.
예상치 못한 기회를 잘 활용해야 한다. (One must make good use of unexpected opportunities.)
Souvent confondu avec
'예상대로' means 'as expected' or 'according to plan'. It's the opposite of '예상치 못하다'. Using '예상치 못하다' when something happened as planned would be incorrect.
'놀랍다' means 'surprising' or 'amazing'. While unexpected things are often surprising, '놀랍다' focuses more on the feeling of astonishment, whereas '예상치 못하다' focuses on the lack of prediction.
'모르다' means 'to not know'. While not knowing something often leads to it being unexpected, '예상치 못하다' specifically implies a failure to predict or anticipate, rather than just a lack of information.
Expressions idiomatiques
— Even if the sky falls, there is a hole to escape through. (Meaning: Even in the most desperate or unexpected crisis, there is always a way out.)
상황이 예상치 못하게 나빠졌지만, 하늘이 무너져도 솟아날 구멍이 있다고 믿었다.
Proverbial— One misfortune piled on top of another. (Used when a series of unexpected bad events occur.)
예상치 못한 사고에 이어 큰 손해까지 보게 되어 엎친 데 덮친 격이었다.
Idiomatic— To not even think of in one's dreams. (Similar to '생각지도 못하다', emphasizing extreme unexpectedness.)
그가 범인일 줄은 꿈에도 생각 못 했다. (I never even dreamed he would be the culprit.)
Idiomatic— A thunderbolt from a clear sky. (Used for a sudden, completely unexpected misfortune or disaster.)
아무런 징조도 없이 찾아온 질병은 마치 마른하늘에 날벼락 같았다.
Idiomatic— To pour cold water on something. (To dampen enthusiasm or ruin something unexpectedly.)
그의 부정적인 발언은 우리 모두의 기대에 찬물을 끼얹었다.
Idiomatic— Hearing something for the very first time. (Implies it's completely new and unexpected information.)
그런 이야기는 금시초문입니다. (That story is completely new to me / I've never heard of it before.)
Idiomatic, slightly formal— Unexpected good fortune.
로또에 당첨된 것은 정말 뜻밖의 행운이었다.
Common phrase— Beyond expectations; unexpected.
그의 성능은 예상 밖이었다. (His performance was beyond expectations.)
Common phrase— A thunderclap from a clear sky. (Similar to '마른하늘에 날벼락', indicating a sudden, shocking event.)
갑작스러운 해고 통보는 청천벽력과 같았다. (The sudden dismissal notice was like a thunderclap from a clear sky.)
Idiomatic, formal— More than expected; exceeding expectations.
그의 노력은 기대 이상의 결과를 가져왔다. (His efforts brought results beyond expectations.)
Common phraseFacile à confondre
Both mean 'unexpected'.
'의외의' (ui-oe-ui) often implies a result that is contrary to general expectations or beliefs, perhaps even more striking than '예상치 못한'. '예상치 못한' is a more general term for something not predicted.
그는 예상치 못한 방법으로 문제를 해결했다. (He solved the problem in an unexpected way.) vs. 그의 승리는 정말 의외였다. (His victory was truly unexpected/surprising.)
Similar to '의외의', both convey unexpectedness.
'뜻밖의' (tteut-bakk-ui) can sometimes carry a slightly more informal or emotionally charged nuance, often used for pleasant surprises, though not exclusively. '예상치 못한' is more neutral.
나는 뜻밖의 선물을 받았다. (I received an unexpected gift.) vs. 예상치 못한 사고가 발생했다. (An unexpected accident occurred.)
Unexpected things often evoke surprise.
'놀라운' (nol-la-un) focuses on the feeling of amazement or astonishment. Something can be surprising ('놀라운') but still somewhat expected, whereas '예상치 못한' strictly means it wasn't predicted.
그의 재능은 놀랍다. (His talent is amazing/surprising.) vs. 그의 재능은 예상치 못했다. (His talent was unexpected.)
It's the direct opposite meaning.
'계획대로' (gyehwek-daero) means 'according to plan'. It signifies that everything unfolded as anticipated, with no unexpected elements. '예상치 못하다' is used when things deviate from the plan.
모든 것이 계획대로 진행되었다. (Everything proceeded according to plan.) vs. 예상치 못한 문제가 발생했다. (An unexpected problem arose.)
Similar to '계획대로', it relates to expectations.
'예상대로' (yesang-daero) means 'as expected'. It indicates that the outcome matched the prediction. '예상치 못하다' signifies that the outcome did not match the prediction.
결과는 예상대로 좋았다. (The result was good as expected.) vs. 결과는 예상치 못하게 나빴다. (The result was unexpectedly bad.)
Structures de phrases
Noun + 은/는 + 예상치 못하다.
이것은 예상치 못하다.
예상치 못한 + Noun.
예상치 못한 선물.
Noun + 은/는 + 예상치 못했다.
그 소식은 예상치 못했다.
예상치 못하게 + Verb.
날씨가 예상치 못하게 추워졌다.
Clause + -ㄹ/을 줄 + 예상치 못하다.
그가 올 줄 예상치 못했다.
예상치 못한 + Noun + 이/가 + occurred/happened.
예상치 못한 사고가 발생했다.
예상치 못한 + Noun + 에 + Noun + 이/가 + Verb.
예상치 못한 어려움에 직면했다.
Clause + 는/은 + 예상치 못한 + Noun + 을/를 + 가져오다/야기하다.
그의 발언은 예상치 못한 논란을 야기했다.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
High
-
Using '예상치 못하다' when something was expected.
→
Using '예상대로' or '예상했던'.
If an event occurred exactly as predicted, it is '예상대로' (as expected), not '예상치 못했다' (unexpected). Confusing these two reverses the meaning.
-
Incorrectly forming the adjective form.
→
Use '예상치 못한' before a noun.
Forgetting the final 'ㄴ' in '못한' when modifying a noun is a common error. '예상치 못하다 사고' is incorrect; it should be '예상치 못한 사고'.
-
Confusing '예상치 못하다' with '놀랍다' or '신기하다'.
→
Use '놀랍다' for astonishing things and '신기하다' for wondrous or novel things. Use '예상치 못하다' for lack of prediction.
'예상치 못하다' focuses on the lack of foresight. '놀랍다' focuses on the feeling of amazement, and '신기하다' on novelty or wonder. While they can overlap, they are not interchangeable.
-
Using '예상치 못하게' incorrectly.
→
Use '예상치 못하게' to modify verbs or adjectives.
Sometimes learners might use it when a simple predicate form is more natural. For instance, instead of '그는 예상치 못하게 기뻐했다', it might be more natural to say '그는 정말 기뻐했다' if the focus isn't solely on the unexpectedness.
-
Overlooking tense and conjugation.
→
Ensure correct conjugation based on tense and formality.
Just like any verb/adjective, '못하다' needs to be conjugated correctly. Forgetting the past tense '예상치 못했다' or using the wrong formality level can lead to errors.
Astuces
Adjective Form
Remember to use '예상치 못한' when it directly modifies a noun. For example, '예상치 못한 사건' (unexpected event). When used as a predicate at the end of a sentence, use '예상치 못하다' (or its conjugated forms like '예상치 못했다').
Clear Articulation
Pay attention to the '치' (chi) sound, making sure it's a clear 'ch' and not too harsh. Also, ensure the final '다' (da) in '못하다' is pronounced clearly, especially in the past tense '못했다'.
Positive and Negative
This phrase is neutral and can apply to both positive surprises (like an unexpected gift) and negative ones (like an unforeseen accident). The context will usually indicate the nature of the surprise.
Break It Down
Understand the components: '예상' (expectation) + '치' (degree particle) + '못하다' (cannot). This literal breakdown helps reinforce the meaning: 'cannot be expected'.
Sentence Creation
Try writing sentences describing surprising events from your own life or from movies/books. This active recall is a great way to solidify your understanding and usage.
Common in Media
You'll frequently hear or read '예상치 못한' in Korean news, dramas, and novels. Recognizing its common usage in these contexts will help you understand its natural flow.
Adverbial Form
Don't forget the adverbial form '예상치 못하게' (unexpectedly). It's used to modify verbs or entire clauses, indicating that something happened in an unexpected manner.
Connecting Ideas
Use conjunctions like '하지만' (but) or '그래서' (so) to link sentences involving unexpected events. For example: '날씨가 예상치 못하게 추워졌다. 그래서 집에 일찍 돌아왔다.' (The weather became unexpectedly cold. So I returned home early.)
Expressing Surprise
When someone tells you something surprising, you can react with '정말요? 예상치 못했어요!' (Really? I didn't expect that!).
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a fortune teller (예상) trying to predict the future, but a big 'NO!' sign (못) appears over their crystal ball. The prediction is '예상치 못하다' – impossible to foresee!
Association visuelle
Picture a calendar with a big red X through a date, symbolizing an event that was supposed to happen but didn't, or an event that happened without being marked on the calendar. The 'X' represents '못하다' (cannot/not), and the calendar represents '예상' (expectation).
Word Web
Défi
Try to describe three surprising things that happened to you this week using '예상치 못하다' or '예상치 못한'.
Origine du mot
The word is derived from the Sino-Korean words '예상' (豫想 - to anticipate, to expect) and the Korean verb '못하다' (to not be able to do). The particle '치' functions to indicate degree or extent, often used with negative verbs to mean 'beyond' or 'not up to'. Thus, '예상치 못하다' literally means 'unable to be expected' or 'beyond expectation'.
Sens originel : Originally, it conveyed the idea of something that could not be encompassed by one's thoughts or estimations.
Korean (with Sino-Korean roots)Contexte culturel
The phrase itself is neutral and can be used for both positive and negative events. However, the context in which it's used will determine the emotional tone. Describing a disaster as '예상치 못했다' carries a different weight than describing a surprise party as '예상치 못했다'.
In English, we might use phrases like 'unexpectedly', 'unforeseen', 'out of the blue', 'a bolt from the blue', 'a surprise', or 'caught off guard'. The Korean phrase covers a similar spectrum of meaning.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Recounting personal experiences.
- 예상치 못했던 일이야.
- 정말 예상치 못했어.
- 갑자기 예상치 못한 일이 생겼어.
Discussing news and current events.
- 예상치 못한 결과가 나왔다.
- 예상치 못한 사고가 발생했다.
- 이것은 예상치 못한 변화이다.
Describing outcomes of projects or tasks.
- 예상치 못한 성공을 거두었다.
- 예상치 못한 어려움에 직면했다.
- 예상치 못한 지출이 발생했다.
Expressing surprise at gifts or encounters.
- 예상치 못한 선물 고마워요.
- 예상치 못한 만남이라 반가웠어요.
- 뜻밖의 행운이었어요.
Talking about future possibilities or uncertainties.
- 예상치 못한 상황에 대비해야 한다.
- 예상치 못한 일이 생길 수도 있어.
- 미래는 예상치 못한 것들로 가득하다.
Amorces de conversation
"Has anything unexpected happened to you recently?"
"Tell me about a time when something was completely unforeseen."
"What's the most surprising gift you've ever received?"
"How do you prepare for unexpected situations?"
"Have you ever experienced a sudden change in plans?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe an unexpected event from your past and how it made you feel.
Write about a time when a surprise turned out to be a good thing. Use '예상치 못한'.
Reflect on a situation where you were completely unprepared for what happened. Use '예상치 못했다'.
Imagine a scenario where something completely unexpected occurs. What would happen next?
Discuss the importance of being flexible when facing unforeseen circumstances.
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'예상치 못한' is a general term for anything not predicted or foreseen. '의외의' often implies a result that is contrary to common belief or general expectations, suggesting a more striking surprise. For example, a common person winning a major competition might be described as '의외의' victory, while a slightly delayed train might just be '예상치 못한' delay.
Yes, absolutely. It can describe both positive and negative surprises. For instance, receiving an unexpected promotion ('예상치 못한 승진') or finding money on the street ('예상치 못한 돈을 발견하다') are positive uses.
The adverbial form is '예상치 못하게' (yesangchi mothage). You use it to modify verbs or adjectives. For example, '날씨가 예상치 못하게 추워졌어요.' (The weather became unexpectedly cold.)
The past tense is '예상치 못했다' (yesangchi mothaetda). This is used to describe something that was unexpected in the past. For example, '그 소식은 정말 예상치 못했다.' (That news was truly unexpected.)
'예상치 못한' is used before the noun it modifies, just like most Korean adjectives. For example, '예상치 못한 선물' (unexpected gift).
'생각지도 못하다' is a stronger expression, meaning 'to not even imagine' or 'to not have thought of it at all'. It implies a deeper level of unexpectedness than '예상치 못하다', which simply means it wasn't predicted.
Yes, it's versatile. While it can be used for major surprises, it's also appropriate for smaller, everyday unexpected occurrences. Context will usually clarify the degree of surprise.
You can ask: '이것은 예상치 못한 일이었나요?' (Was this an unexpected event?) or simply '예상치 못했어요?' (Was it unexpected?)
It's generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. More formal alternatives like '예기치 못한' exist, but '예상치 못한' is very common and widely understood.
'예상' (yesang) is a noun meaning 'expectation', 'estimation', or 'forecast'. '예상치 못하다' is derived from this, meaning something that goes against this expectation or forecast.
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Summary
Use '예상치 못하다' (yesangchi mothada) when something happens that you didn't predict or plan for, whether it's a good or bad surprise. For example, '예상치 못한 선물' (an unexpected gift).
- Means unexpected or unforeseen.
- Used for events not predicted.
- Can be positive or negative surprises.
- Common in news and stories.
Adjective Form
Remember to use '예상치 못한' when it directly modifies a noun. For example, '예상치 못한 사건' (unexpected event). When used as a predicate at the end of a sentence, use '예상치 못하다' (or its conjugated forms like '예상치 못했다').
Context is Key
While '예상치 못하다' covers a broad range of unexpectedness, consider synonyms like '의외의' or '뜻밖의' for slightly different nuances. '의외의' often implies a surprising result contrary to general belief, while '뜻밖의' can be more sudden or pleasant.
Clear Articulation
Pay attention to the '치' (chi) sound, making sure it's a clear 'ch' and not too harsh. Also, ensure the final '다' (da) in '못하다' is pronounced clearly, especially in the past tense '못했다'.
Positive and Negative
This phrase is neutral and can apply to both positive surprises (like an unexpected gift) and negative ones (like an unforeseen accident). The context will usually indicate the nature of the surprise.
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A2Concernant ou relatif à ; à propos de. Utilisé pour lier deux noms (ex: un livre sur le Corée).
~대하여
A2Signifie 'à propos de' ou 'concernant'. Utilisé pour introduire le sujet d'une discussion ou d'un écrit.
대해서
A2À propos de; concernant.
에 대해
A2Une expression utilisée pour signifier 'à propos de' ou 'concernant'.
풍요롭다
A2Être abondant, prospère ou riche.
관철하다
B2Mener à bien sa volonté ou ses exigences malgré les obstacles. 'Il a fait prévaloir ses idées lors de la réunion.'
~에 따라
B1Selon, en fonction de. Utilisé pour indiquer que quelque chose dépend d'un autre facteur ou suit une règle.
에 따라
A2Selon les circonstances, le plan peut changer. (Selon / En fonction de)
에 의하면
B1Selon les informations reçues, ce mot signifie 'selon'. Par exemple: 'Selon le journal, il fera beau demain.'
계좌번호
A2Un numéro de compte bancaire. Utilisé pour les virements et les paiements électroniques en Corée.
