Japanese grammar
What does ～と思いきや mean? Japanese grammar N1
～と思いきや means just when one thought that…, unexpectedly….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form + と思いきや |
| Romaji | toomoikiya |
| Meaning | just when one thought that…, unexpectedly… |
Forming it
| Connection | plain form + と思いきや |
|---|
How to use it
States what one HAD EXPECTED, then immediately reverses it with a contrary reality. Always carries the speaker's surprise.
- 「Aと思いきや、B」 = expected A, but to my surprise, B. B must CONTRADICT A, and is a fact the speaker has just discovered.
- The latter clause often has 「意外に・実は・かえって」; this is narrative/written style, while conversation usually says 「～かと思ったら」.
- Not used for one's own plans: 「行こうと思いきや」 is incorrect — this pattern is about a GUESS, not one's own intention.
Examples
試験は難しいと思いきや、意外に簡単だった。
I expected the exam to be hard, but it was surprisingly easy.
彼は帰ったと思いきや、すぐ戻ってきた。
I thought he had left, but he came right back.
Keep in mind
- Attaches to the plain form; nouns and na-adjectives use their plain form as-is: 「静かだと思いきや」.
- Don't write 「思ったきや」 — the fixed expression is 「思いきや」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong難しいと思ったきや、簡単だった。
Correct難しいと思いきや、簡単だった。
The fixed phrase is と思いきや.
Exam tips
- 「と思いきや」 = expected A, but B (the opposite); a fixed phrase, not conjugated with た.