Meanings of 意料之外
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AI study notes for 意料之外
出乎意料 (chū hū yì liào) — use 意料之外 for outcomes that are not only unexpected but also significantly deviate from predictions, whereas 出乎意料 can imply surprise without the same level of deviation.
This idiom is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's essential to use it appropriately to match the tone of the conversation. Common collocations include unexpected news or outcomes. Be careful with the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning altogether.
Although this idiom is not a standard HSK vocabulary item, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of advanced conversations. Look for similar idioms or phrases within your current level to build connections, like '出乎意料' (chū hū yì liào), which also expresses unexpectedness.
Learners often confuse this idiom with similar phrases, mistakenly using it in contexts where 'surprise' is not warranted. For example, saying '我意料之外了' (Wǒ yì liào zhī wài le) incorrectly implies a personal expectation instead of a situation. The correct usage focuses on the outcome, such as '这结果意料之外' (Zhè jiéguǒ yì liào zhī wài).
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Idiom spotlight: 意料之外
Component characters
How to say contrary to expectation in Chinese
“contrary to expectation” in Chinese is意料之外
The idiom 意料之外 (yì liào zhī wài) describes a situation that is unexpected or contrary to what one anticipated. It is often used to express surprise or to indicate that the outcome deviates significantly from the predicted results, whether in conversation, storytelling, or analysis.
When to use 意料之外
This idiom is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's essential to use it appropriately to match the tone of the conversation. Common collocations include unexpected news or outcomes. Be careful with the tone; using the wrong tone can change the meaning altogether.
意料之外 or something close to it
出乎意料 (chū hū yì liào) — use 意料之外 for outcomes that are not only unexpected but also significantly deviate from predictions, whereas 出乎意料 can imply surprise without the same level of deviation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse this idiom with similar phrases, mistakenly using it in contexts where 'surprise' is not warranted. For example, saying '我意料之外了' (Wǒ yì liào zhī wài le) incorrectly implies a personal expectation instead of a situation. The correct usage focuses on the outcome, such as '这结果意料之外' (Zhè jiéguǒ yì liào zhī wài).
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Frequently asked questions about 意料之外
You can say, '这个结果真是意料之外！' (Zhège jiéguǒ zhēn shì yì liào zhī wài!) meaning 'This result is truly unexpected!.'
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