〜かと思いきや
- Pattern
- 〜かと思いきや
- Level
- N3
- Reading
- 〜かとおもいきや
- Meaning
- contrary to what I thought, contrary to expectations
- Attaches to
- plain form
- Nuance & register
Used to express surprise at a result.
- Example
易しい問題かと思いきや、実は非常に難しかった。 I thought it was an easy problem, but it was actually very difficult.
- Easily confused with
〜と思ったら (when I thought). 〜かと思いきや emphasizes a surprising contrast.