Meaning and Usage
"不料" is an adverb used to indicate that something happened unexpectedly or contrary to what was anticipated. It often introduces a surprising or unforeseen outcome in a narrative.
Position in Sentence
It typically appears at the beginning of the clause describing the unexpected event, often following a statement of expectation or assumption.
Common Collocations
These collocations emphasize the suddenness or surprise of the event.
Register and Tone
"不料" is neutral and suitable for both spoken and written Mandarin, often found in storytelling, news reports, and formal contexts.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "不料" with "料想" (to expect or anticipate). "不料" signals surprise, while "料想" expresses prediction or expectation.