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B1 adverb 10분 분량

意外と

igaito
예시 노트와 팁 意外と 30초 만에
설명 意外と in your Level:
At the A1 level, think of 'igaito' as a word that means 'more than I thought.' Even if you only know basic adjectives like 'oishii' (delicious) or 'samui' (cold), you can use 'igaito' to make your sentences more interesting. Imagine you see a small cake. You think it will be just okay. You eat it, and it's great! You say: 'Igaito oishii!' This tells people that the cake was better than it looked. It is a very useful word for beginners because it helps you express your feelings about new experiences in Japan. Just remember to put it right before the adjective. It's like adding 'actually' to your English sentences. 'It's actually good!' or 'It's actually cheap!' This word helps you connect with Japanese people by sharing your small discoveries in a simple way.
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For A2 learners, 'igaito' becomes a tool for comparing your expectations with reality. You are likely starting to form opinions about Japanese life, food, and people. When you use 'igaito,' you are showing that you had a mental picture of something, and the reality was different. For example, if you thought a Japanese lesson would be very hard, but you understood everything, you can say 'Jugyou wa igaito kantan datta' (The class was surprisingly easy). This level of expression is important for basic conversation. You should also start noticing the difference between 'igaito' and 'totemo' (very). 'Totemo' is just for high intensity, but 'igaito' is for when that intensity is a surprise. Use it when you want to sound more like a natural speaker who is observing the world around them.
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At the B1 level, you should focus on the nuance and social implications of 'igaito.' This word is frequently used to soften statements or to make observations that aren't too direct. You will encounter it often in listening passages where speakers discuss their impressions of cities, jobs, or hobbies. You should also learn to distinguish it from 'igai ni,' which is the more formal version used in writing. At this level, you can use 'igaito' to describe people's personalities, such as 'Kare wa igaito majime da' (He is surprisingly serious). Be careful with the 'insult' trap: if you tell a friend 'You are surprisingly smart,' they might think you thought they were dumb! Use it carefully with people you don't know well. This is the stage where you move from just 'knowing' the word to 'feeling' its social weight.
B2 learners should be able to use 'igaito' fluently in a variety of contexts, including semi-formal business settings. You should understand that 'igaito' is slightly more colloquial than 'angai' or 'yosou ni hanshite.' In a meeting, you might use 'igaito' to point out a trend that the team didn't anticipate: 'Kono maaketingu wa igaito kouka ga arimashita' (This marketing was surprisingly effective). You should also be comfortable using it with negative predicates to express relief or mild disappointment, such as 'Igaito jikan ga nakatta' (Surprisingly, there wasn't much time). At this level, you are expected to handle the subtle 'to' vs 'ni' vs 'na' distinctions perfectly, ensuring that your grammar matches the register of your conversation. You are using the word to add texture and precision to your descriptions of complex situations.
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At the C1 level, you are exploring the rhetorical uses of 'igaito.' It can be used to set up a paradox or to challenge a listener's preconceptions. In a debate or a sophisticated essay, you might use 'igai ni' (the formal counterpart) to introduce a counter-intuitive fact. You should also be aware of how 'igaito' functions in literary contexts, where it might be used to describe a character's internal realization that their life is taking an unexpected turn. You can compare 'igaito' with more advanced synonyms like 'omoi no hoka' or 'nozo-ma-shiku mo' to choose the exact flavor of surprise you wish to convey. Your usage should reflect a deep understanding of Japanese 'reading between the lines,' where 'igaito' can sometimes imply a hidden criticism or a profound shift in perspective that isn't explicitly stated.
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For C2 mastery, 'igaito' is used with complete native-like intuition, including its use in irony and sarcasm. You understand that in certain high-context situations, saying something is 'igaito...' can be a very polite way to point out a major flaw or a brilliant success without being boisterous. You can analyze the etymology of the kanji 意外 (outside of thought) and how it relates to Buddhist or philosophical concepts of the 'mind' and 'reality.' You are also aware of the historical shift in how 'to' and 'ni' have been used as adverbial markers over the centuries. Your speech uses 'igaito' as a rhythmic element, placing it perfectly within long, complex sentences to guide the listener's expectations. You are not just using a word; you are manipulating the listener's perception of reality through the lens of 'unexpectedness' that the word provides.
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예시 노트와 팁

意外と 30초 만에

  • Igaito is a versatile adverb meaning 'surprisingly' or 'unexpectedly,' used when reality differs from your initial mental assumptions or expectations.
  • It is primarily used in spoken Japanese to add a layer of personal discovery or to soften opinions by acknowledging a gap in perception.
  • Grammatically, it precedes adjectives or verbs and is considered slightly more casual than its counterpart 'igai ni' or the synonym 'angai.'
  • It is essential for natural-sounding Japanese, helping speakers express relief, mild shock, or value-driven observations in daily conversations and reviews.

The Japanese adverb 意外と (igaito) is a cornerstone of conversational Japanese, primarily used to express that something is contrary to one's initial expectations or assumptions. At its core, it translates to 'surprisingly,' 'unexpectedly,' or 'more/less than expected.' It is formed by combining the kanji 意 (i - thought/mind) and 外 (gai - outside), literally meaning 'outside of what one thought,' followed by the adverbial particle と (to). This word is ubiquitous in daily life because Japanese communication often revolves around the contrast between 'tatemae' (public face/expectations) and 'honne' (reality/true feelings). When you use igaito, you are signaling to your listener that your previous mental model of a situation was slightly off, which adds a layer of honesty and relatability to your speech.

Subjective Surprise
Unlike scientific or objective surprises, igaito usually deals with personal impressions. For example, if you thought a movie would be boring but it was actually fun, you would use this word.
Mildness
It often carries a nuance of 'actually' or 'quite.' It isn't always a massive, life-changing shock; it is often used for small, everyday realizations.

このカレーは意外と辛いですね。(Kono karee wa igaito karai desu ne.) - This curry is surprisingly spicy, isn't it?

In this example, the speaker expected the curry to be mild, but upon tasting it, they realized it had a kick. Using igaito here makes the sentence sound more natural and conversational than simply saying 'this curry is spicy.' It invites the listener to agree or disagree with the comparison to the expectation. It is also important to note that while igaito is very common in spoken Japanese, its cousin igai ni (意外に) is slightly more formal and more common in written texts. However, in modern speech, igaito has become the standard for expressing this 'unexpected' nuance in almost any casual or semi-formal setting.

試験は意外と簡単だった。(Shiken wa igaito kantan datta.) - The exam was unexpectedly easy.

Colloquial Usage
In youth slang, you might hear people say 'Igai to!' as a standalone exclamation to mean 'Really?!' or 'That's unexpected!' though this is less common than using it as a modifier.

Furthermore, igaito can be used to describe people. If someone looks scary but is actually very kind, you might say they are igaito yasashii. This highlights the gap between appearance and reality. This gap is a major theme in Japanese social interaction, where people are often judged by their 'omote' (front/surface), and igaito is the tool used to reveal the 'ura' (back/internal reality). It is a word of discovery. Whether you are talking about the weather being better than forecasted, a cheap product being high quality, or a person having a hidden talent, igaito is your go-to adverb for bridging the gap between what was assumed and what is true.

Grammatically, 意外と (igaito) functions as an adverb, which means its primary job is to modify adjectives, verbs, or entire sentences. Its placement is quite flexible, but it most commonly appears directly before the word it is modifying. For English speakers, think of it as a 'degree' adverb similar to 'quite,' 'rather,' or 'surprisingly.' However, unlike 'very' (totemo), igaito always implies a comparison to a previous state of mind.

Before Adjectives
This is the most common usage. [Igaito] + [Adjective]. Example: 意外と高い (igaito takai - surprisingly expensive).
Before Verbs
It can modify verbs that express a state or a result. Example: 意外と時間がかかる (igaito jikan ga kakaru - takes unexpectedly long).

彼は意外と料理が上手です。(Kare wa igaito ryouri ga jouzu desu.) - He is surprisingly good at cooking.

One key syntactic rule is that igaito does not need any particles like 'ni' or 'na' when modifying adjectives directly, because the 'to' is already acting as the adverbial marker. While you might see igai ni used in similar positions, igaito is strictly adverbial. You cannot say 'igaito na hito' (an unexpected person); instead, you would use 'igai na hito.' The distinction between the 'to' version (adverb) and the 'na' version (adjective) is crucial for B1 learners to master.

昨日は意外と早く帰れました。(Kinou wa igaito hayaku kaeremashita.) - I was able to go home surprisingly early yesterday.

When using igaito in negative sentences, it takes on the meaning of 'not as [adjective] as expected' or 'surprisingly not...' For instance, 'igaito samukunai' means 'it's surprisingly not cold.' This is a very common way to express relief. If you were dreading a cold winter day but found it manageable, this is the perfect phrase. It allows for a nuanced expression of reality that 'not cold' (samukunai) alone cannot capture. By adding igaito, you are sharing your relief with the listener, making the conversation more empathetic and layered.

In the wild, you will hear 意外と (igaito) everywhere from office breakrooms to variety TV shows. It is a staple of 'gourmet reporting' (gurume repooto) on Japanese television. When a host bites into a seemingly plain piece of tofu and shouts, 'Igaito noko!' (Surprisingly rich!), they are using the word to heighten the drama of the discovery. In these contexts, igaito serves as a hook to grab the audience's attention, highlighting that the item in question exceeds its humble appearance.

A: この店、古そうだけど大丈夫？ (This shop looks old, is it okay?)
B: 意外とおいしいんだよ。(It's surprisingly delicious, you know.)

In social settings, igaito is used to soften opinions. Japanese culture values modesty and avoiding direct confrontation. If you want to praise something without sounding like you're exaggerating, or if you want to point out a fact that contradicts a common stereotype, igaito provides a polite buffer. For example, instead of saying 'This car is fast,' saying 'This car is surprisingly fast' acknowledges that the car might not look fast, which shows you are a discerning and thoughtful observer.

You will also find it in product reviews and social media. On sites like Amazon Japan or @cosme (a beauty review site), users frequently write 'igaito yokatta' (it was surprisingly good) to indicate that a budget-friendly product performed better than expected. In this digital context, igaito acts as a marker of 'value for money' or 'hidden gems.' It tells the reader that the product is a pleasant surprise, which is often more persuasive than a simple 'good' rating.

「あの人、意外とアニメ好きなんだって。」(I heard that person is surprisingly into anime.)

Finally, in business contexts, igaito can be used to discuss market trends or project results. A manager might say, 'The new feature was surprisingly popular among older users.' Here, it indicates a data-driven insight that challenged the team's initial hypotheses. It allows professionals to discuss deviations from the plan in a way that sounds analytical rather than just 'wrong.' Understanding this word allows you to navigate the subtle shifts between expectation and reality that define Japanese life.

While 意外と (igaito) is versatile, there are several pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. The most common mistake is using it as a direct replacement for 'very' or 'really' (totemo/sugoku). Remember, igaito requires a baseline expectation. If you say 'This mountain is surprisingly high' about Mt. Fuji, it sounds strange because everyone already knows Mt. Fuji is high. You would only use it if you specifically thought it was small, which would make you sound uninformed.

Mistake 1: Confusing Adverbial and Adjectival Forms
Saying 'igaito na' instead of 'igai na.' Use 'igaito' as an adverb (before verbs/adjectives) and 'igai na' as a pre-nominal adjective (before nouns).
Mistake 2: Negative Nuance with People
Be careful when using igaito to praise someone. Saying 'You are surprisingly smart' (Igaito atama ga ii desu ne) can be insulting because it implies you initially thought they were stupid.

❌ 彼は意外と親切な人です。(He is a surprisingly kind person - slightly unnatural as a descriptor).
✅ 彼は意外と親切です。(He is surprisingly kind - natural adverbial use).

Another common error is using igaito when the surprise is a major, shocking event. For a car accident or a sudden natural disaster, igaito is too 'light.' It sounds like you're saying 'Oh, that's a bit of a surprise.' In those cases, words like 'totsuzen' (suddenly) or 'odoroku hodo' (to a shocking degree) are more appropriate. Igaito is best reserved for 'mild' surprises—things that make you go 'Huh, okay' rather than 'Oh my god!'

Lastly, learners often forget that igaito is somewhat casual. In a formal academic paper or a high-level legal document, you should opt for igai ni or yosou ni hanshite (contrary to expectations). Using igaito in a formal speech might make you sound a bit too 'chatty.' However, for B1 level learners, focusing on the correct placement and the 'expectation vs reality' nuance is the most important step toward natural fluency.

Japanese has several words that translate to 'surprisingly' or 'unexpectedly,' and choosing the right one depends on the level of surprise and the formality of the situation. The most direct alternative to 意外と (igaito) is 案外 (angai). While they are often interchangeable, angai is slightly more objective and is frequently used when discussing plans or logic. If igaito is 'outside of my thoughts,' angai is 'outside of my proposal/plan.'

案外 (Angai)
Used for things that turned out differently from a logical prediction. 'Angai umaku itta' (It went unexpectedly well).
思いのほか (Omoi no hoka)
A more elegant, literary way to say 'more than I thought.' It often appears in novels or formal letters.
予想外 (Yosougai)
Literally 'outside of prediction.' This is a noun/na-adjective used for bigger surprises, like sports upsets or market crashes.

「案外、こっちの方が安いかもしれない。」(Unexpectedly, this one might be cheaper.)

If you want to emphasize a very high degree of surprise, you might use odoroku hodo (to a surprising extent) or masaka (No way! / I never thought...). Masaka is much more emotional and is used for things that seemed impossible. In contrast, igaito is for things that were possible, just not what you expected. For example, 'Masaka kare ga hannin da to wa!' (I never thought he was the culprit!) vs 'Kare wa igaito tsuyoi' (He is surprisingly strong).

Finally, consider hatashite, which is often used in questions to mean 'really?' or 'as expected?'. While it shares some semantic space with surprise, it is used to express doubt or to set up a conclusion. Mastering these differences allows you to express exactly how surprised you are. If you find a hidden cafe that is great, igaito is perfect. If you win the lottery, igaito is far too weak—you'll need yosougai or masaka to convey the shock of a lifetime.

재미있는 사실

The use of 'to' as an adverbial marker after a Kango (Chinese-origin word) is a common way to create a more colloquial, rhythmic adverb compared to the more formal 'ni'.

발음 가이드

UK /i.ɡa.i.to/
US /i.ɡa.i.to/
Flat pitch accent (Heiban). The first syllable is slightly lower than the rest.
라임이 맞는 단어
Kaito (kaitou) Saito Naito Taito Baito Haito Maito Yaito
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing 'to' like 'too' instead of a short 'o'.
  • Stressing the 'ga' too heavily like English word stress.
  • Merging the two 'i' sounds into one long 'i'.
  • Misplacing the pitch so it sounds like 'igai' (exception).
  • Pronouncing the 'g' as a 'j' sound.
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수준별 예문

1

このお菓子は意外とおいしいです。

This snack is surprisingly delicious.

Igaito + Adjective (oishii).

2

今日は意外と暑いですね。

It is surprisingly hot today, isn't it?

Igaito + Adjective (atsui).

3

あのテストは意外と簡単でした。

That test was unexpectedly easy.

Igaito + Adjective (kantan - na adjective).

4

この本は意外と面白いよ。

This book is surprisingly interesting.

Igaito + Adjective (omoshiroi).

5

彼女は意外と背が高いです。

She is surprisingly tall.

Igaito + Adjective (takai).

6

このパソコンは意外と安いです。

This computer is surprisingly cheap.

Igaito + Adjective (yasui).

7

昨日は意外と元気でした。

I was surprisingly energetic yesterday.

Igaito + Adjective (genki - na adjective).

8

その映画は意外と短かった。

That movie was unexpectedly short.

Igaito + Adjective (mijikai).

1

この靴は意外と歩きやすいです。

These shoes are surprisingly easy to walk in.

Igaito + Compound adjective (aruki-yasui).

2

意外と時間がかかりましたね。

It took an unexpectedly long time, didn't it?

Igaito + Verb phrase (jikan ga kakaru).

3

彼は意外と日本語が上手だ。

He is surprisingly good at Japanese.

Igaito + Adjective (jouzu).

4

この料理、意外と作るのが難しい。

This dish is surprisingly difficult to make.

Igaito + Verb phrase (tsukuru no ga muzukashii).

5

そのニュースは意外と知られていない。

That news is surprisingly not well known.

Igaito + Passive verb (shirarete inai).

6

意外と近くに駅がありました。

There was a station surprisingly nearby.

Igaito + Adverb/Location (chikaku ni).

7

このカメラは意外と重いですね。

This camera is surprisingly heavy.

Igaito + Adjective (omoi).

8

冬の北海道は意外と晴れが多い。

Hokkaido in winter has surprisingly many sunny days.

Igaito + Noun phrase (hare ga ooi).

1

意外と、一人で旅行するのも楽しいですよ。

Surprisingly, traveling alone is also fun.

Igaito used to modify the whole clause.

2

あの人は意外と寂しがり屋かもしれない。

That person might be surprisingly lonely (prone to loneliness).

Igaito + Noun/Trait (sabishigariya).

3

このアプリ、意外と役に立つね。

This app is surprisingly useful, isn't it?

Igaito + Verb phrase (yaku ni tatsu).

4

意外とあっさり断られてしまった。

I was rejected surprisingly easily/flatly.

Igaito + Adverb (assari).

5

最近の若者は意外と保守的だと言われている。

It is said that young people these days are surprisingly conservative.

Igaito + Adjective (hoshuteki).

6

意外と、その問題は解決しやすいかもしれない。

Surprisingly, that problem might be easy to solve.

Igaito used as a sentence starter.

7

彼は意外と負けず嫌いなところがある。

He has a surprisingly competitive side.

Igaito + Compound noun (makezugirai).

8

この計画は意外とリスクが高い。

This plan is surprisingly high-risk.

Igaito + Adjective (takai).

1

調査の結果、意外と多くの人が賛成していることが分かった。

As a result of the survey, it was found that surprisingly many people agree.

Igaito + Quantifier (ooku no hito).

2

意外と知られていない事実ですが、彼は元プロ歌手です。

It's a surprisingly unknown fact, but he is a former professional singer.

Igaito + Relative clause (shirarete inai jijitsu).

3

そのデザインは意外と飽きがこない。

That design is surprisingly something you don't get tired of.

Igaito + Verb phrase (aki ga konai).

4

意外と、都会の真ん中にも自然が残っているものだ。

Surprisingly, nature still remains even in the middle of the city.

Igaito used to express a general observation.

5

彼は意外と、周囲の目を気にしているようだ。

Surprisingly, he seems to care about what those around him think.

Igaito + Verb phrase (ki ni shite iru).

6

意外と、シンプルな解決策が一番効果的だったりする。

Surprisingly, a simple solution can often be the most effective.

Igaito + Adjective (koukateki).

7

この仕事は、意外と体力を使う。

This job unexpectedly uses a lot of physical strength.

Igaito + Verb phrase (tairyoku o tsukau).

8

意外と、子供の方が冷静に判断できる場合もある。

Surprisingly, there are cases where children can judge more calmly.

Igaito used to introduce a counter-intuitive point.

1

意外と、この些細なミスが致命傷になりかねない。

Surprisingly, this trivial mistake could potentially become a fatal blow.

Igaito used to emphasize potential danger.

2

一見複雑そうに見えるが、意外と構造は単純明快である。

At first glance it looks complex, but the structure is surprisingly simple and clear.

Igaito + Compound adjective (tanjun-meikai).

3

意外と、歴史は繰り返されるという言葉は真実を突いている。

Surprisingly, the saying that history repeats itself strikes at the truth.

Igaito used in a philosophical context.

4

彼は意外と、冷徹な計算に基づいて行動している節がある。

Surprisingly, there are signs that he acts based on cold-blooded calculations.

Igaito + Adjective (reitetsu).

5

意外と、心の平穏を保つのは難しいことだ。

Surprisingly, maintaining peace of mind is a difficult thing.

Igaito + Clause as a noun phrase.

6

この古典文学は、現代の読者にも意外と共感される部分が多い。

This classical literature has surprisingly many parts that modern readers can empathize with.

Igaito + Passive verb (kyoukan sareru).

7

意外と、沈黙こそが最大の武器になることもある。

Surprisingly, silence itself can sometimes be the greatest weapon.

Igaito used to highlight a paradox.

8

意外と、最先端の技術よりも伝統的な手法の方が信頼できる。

Surprisingly, traditional methods are more reliable than cutting-edge technology.

Igaito used for comparison.

1

意外と、真理というものは我々の足元に転がっているのかもしれない。

Surprisingly, truth might be something that is rolling around at our very feet.

Igaito used in a metaphysical sense.

2

完璧主義者ほど、意外と脆い側面を抱えているものである。

The more of a perfectionist one is, the more they surprisingly tend to harbor a fragile side.

Igaito + Adjective (moroi).

3

意外と、その場しのぎの嘘が後の大きな悲劇を招くことになる。

Surprisingly, a stopgap lie will end up inviting a major tragedy later on.

Igaito used for narrative foreshadowing.

4

意外と、言語の壁よりも文化の壁の方が乗り越えがたい。

Surprisingly, cultural walls are harder to overcome than language walls.

Igaito + Compound adjective (norikoe-gatai).

5

意外と、自己犠牲の精神が組織を腐敗させる原因になることもある。

Surprisingly, a spirit of self-sacrifice can sometimes be the cause of an organization's corruption.

Igaito used for social critique.

6

意外と、芸術の本質は無駄なものの中にこそ宿っている。

Surprisingly, the essence of art dwells precisely within useless things.

Igaito used for aesthetic theory.

7

意外と、運命とは自らの意志で手繰り寄せるものだという確信がある。

Surprisingly, I have a conviction that fate is something you pull toward yourself by your own will.

Igaito used to express a strong personal belief.

8

意外と、幸福は求めるのをやめた瞬間に訪れるのかもしれない。

Surprisingly, happiness might arrive at the very moment you stop seeking it.

Igaito used for a zen-like realization.

동의어

案外 (angai) 意外に (igai ni) 思いのほか (omoi no hoka) 予想外 (yosougai) 存外 (zongai) まさか (masaka) 案の定 (an no jou) 案に相違して (an ni soui shite)

반의어

案の定 (an no jou) やはり (yahari) 予想通り (yosou doori) 案の通り (an no doori)

자주 쓰는 조합

意外と辛い
意外と簡単
意外と時間がかかる
意外と近い
意外と高い
意外と安い
意外と面白い
意外と知らない
意外と似合っている
意外と静か

자주 쓰는 구문

意外とね

— It really is (surprisingly). Used to agree with someone's observation of surprise.

A: 意外と高いね。 B: 意外とね。

意外と大丈夫

— It's surprisingly okay/fine. Used to reassure someone about a perceived risk.

雨だけど意外と大丈夫だよ。

意外といける

— It's surprisingly good/doable. Casual slang for food or tasks.

この組み合わせ、意外といける！

意外とそうでもない

— Surprisingly, that's not the case. Used to correct a common misconception.

有名だけど、意外とそうでもない。

意外とやるね

— You're surprisingly good at this. A casual compliment for someone's skill.

初めてなのに意外とやるね！

意外とあり

— Surprisingly acceptable/good. Used for fashion or food combinations.

納豆にマヨネーズは意外とあり。

意外と苦労する

— To struggle unexpectedly. Used when a task is harder than it looks.

このゲーム、意外と苦労するよ。

意外と差がある

— There is a surprising difference. Used in comparisons.

二人の実力には意外と差がある。

意外と気が合う

— To get along surprisingly well with someone.

彼とは意外と気が合うんだ。

意外と早く

— Surprisingly early/fast.

意外と早く着いちゃった。

관용어 및 표현

"意外と穴場"

— A surprisingly good hidden spot. Used for restaurants or travel destinations.

この公園は意外と穴場だよ。

Casual
"意外と打たれ強い"

— Surprisingly resilient or tough. Used for people who handle criticism well.

彼は意外と打たれ強い性格だ。

Neutral
"意外と腰が低い"

— Surprisingly humble/polite. Used for famous or powerful people.

社長は意外と腰が低い人だ。

Respectful
"意外と世間は狭い"

— It's a surprisingly small world. Used when meeting someone unexpectedly.

ここで会うなんて、意外と世間は狭いね。

Casual
"意外と筆が進む"

— To write surprisingly smoothly. Used for essays or work.

今日は意外と筆が進む。

Neutral
"意外と口が軽い"

— Surprisingly bad at keeping secrets.

彼女は意外と口が軽いから気をつけて。

Informal
"意外と食わず嫌い"

— Surprisingly disliking something without trying it.

意外と食わず嫌いが多い料理だ。

Neutral
"意外と手が届く"

— Surprisingly affordable or attainable.

高級車だけど意外と手が届く値段だ。

Neutral
"意外と話がわかる"

— Surprisingly understanding or reasonable.

あの先生は意外と話がわかるよ。

Casual
"意外と抜け目ない"

— Surprisingly shrewd or cunning.

おとなしいけど、意外と抜け目ない人だ。

Neutral

어휘 가족

명사

意外 (igai) - unexpectedness
意外性 (igaisei) - unpredictability

동사

意外に思う (igai ni omou) - to think of as unexpected

형용사

意外な (igai na) - unexpected

관련

案外 (angai)
予想外 (yosougai)
心外 (shingai)
意外千万 (igaisenman)
思いの外 (omoi no hoka)
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기억법

Imagine you have a box of 'Thoughts' (意). You look 'Outside' (外) the box and see something different. That's 'Igai'!

시각적 연상

A person opening a plain brown box and finding a bright, glowing diamond inside. The contrast is 'igaito'.

Word Web

Surprise Expectation Reality Discovery Actually Quite Contrary Observation

챌린지

Try to find three things today that are 'igaito' something. For example, your coffee is igaito hot, or the bus is igaito empty.

어원

Derived from the Sino-Japanese word 'igai' (意外). The kanji 意 (i) refers to thoughts, intent, or the mind, while 外 (gai) means outside or beyond.

원래 의미: Literally 'outside of one's thoughts' or 'beyond what the mind conceived.'

Sino-Japanese (Kango) with the Japanese adverbial particle 'to'.

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using it to describe people's intelligence or appearance, as it implies your initial impression was lower.

In English, we often use 'actually' or 'surprisingly' in the same way, but 'igaito' is much more common in everyday Japanese speech than 'surprisingly' is in everyday English.

Used frequently in 'Shokugeki no Soma' to describe food. Common in variety shows like 'Ariyoshi Hiiki'. Often appears in J-Pop lyrics to describe unexpected love.
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