Meaning and Usage
"出人意料" is an adjective phrase meaning "unexpected" or "surprising." It is used to describe events, results, or behaviors that go beyond what people anticipate.
Common Contexts
This phrase often appears in news reports, conversations about competitions, or descriptions of surprising personal achievements or reactions.
Collocations and Patterns
Nuances
Using "出人意料" emphasizes that something is beyond normal expectations, often with a positive or neutral tone. It differs from "意外" which can sometimes carry a stronger sense of accident or misfortune.
Tips
Avoid confusing "出人意料" with "出乎意料," which is a similar phrase but slightly more formal. Both express unexpectedness, but "出人意料" is more common in spoken language.