意外 (yì wài) — (adjective) unexpected, surprising; (noun) accident, mishap

Definition

意外 covers two related senses: as an adjective, 'unexpected, surprising' (like 突然, but broader than just 'sudden'); as a noun, an 'accident' — typically minor mishaps, lighter than 事故 (which implies serious harm).

adjective
unexpectedsurprising
noun
accidentmishap
Measure word ·

Examples

  • 意外
    Lù shang fā shēng le yí gè yì wài.
    An accident happened on the road.
  • 意外
    Zhè ge jié guǒ shì wán quán yì wài de.
    This result is completely unexpected.
  • 意外
    Tā yì wài dì dé dào le zhè fèn gōng zuò.
    He unexpectedly got this job.

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