To express surprise in Japanese and convey that you never expected something, you can use the following phrase:
Japanese: びっくりしました、それは予想外でした。(Bikkuri shimashita, sore wa yosou-gai deshita.)
Pronunciation: Bee-koo-ree shee-mah-shee-tah, soh-reh wah yoh-soh-oh-gai deh-shee-tah.
Breaking it down:
- びっくりしました (Bikkuri shimashita): This phrase means “I was surprised” or “I got surprised.” It conveys the sense of astonishment.
- それは (Sore wa): This part means “that was.”
- 予想外でした (Yosou-gai deshita): This phrase means “unexpected” or “beyond expectations.” It indicates that what you experienced was not something you had anticipated.
So, when you say, “びっくりしました、それは予想外でした,” you’re expressing your surprise and stating that something was beyond your expectations by essentially saying, “I’m surprised, I never expected that.” This phrase is useful for conveying your astonishment and shock in various situations.
Whether you’re surprised by a gift, an unexpected turn of events, or a remarkable revelation, using this phrase in Japanese can help you communicate your genuine surprise and capture the moment effectively.