Meaning and Usage
"意想不到" is an adjective phrase used to describe something that is unexpected or beyond what one could have imagined. It often conveys surprise or shock about an event or outcome.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used in everyday conversation and writing to express surprise about results, news, or situations that differ from one's expectations.
Collocations and Patterns
- 意想不到的成功 (unexpected success): used to describe surprising achievements.
- 意想不到的困难 (unexpected difficulties): used when problems arise that were not anticipated.
- 意想不到的消息 (unexpected news): used to describe surprising information.
Usage Notes
"意想不到" is typically followed by 的 + noun to describe the unexpected thing. It can also be used predicatively with 是 + 意想不到的 to emphasize the unexpected nature of something. Avoid confusing it with "意外" which also means unexpected but often implies accidents or mishaps; "意想不到" focuses more on the element of surprise or imagination.