【JLPT N1 Grammar Point 3】
When advancing into N1 territory, you’ll encounter grammar that expresses unexpected outcomes, emotional shifts, and subtle irony. One elegant way to say, “Just when I thought X, actually Y” is:
🌟 ～かと思いきや
Meaning: Just when (I/you) thought… / Contrary to what I expected…
Usage: Expresses surprise or contradiction between expectation and reality.
🔧 Grammar Structure
[Plain form] + かと思いきや + [unexpected result]
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| 雨が降るかと思いきや、晴れてきた。 | (Just when I thought it would rain, it cleared up.) |
| 試験は難しいかと思いきや、意外に簡単だった。 | (I thought the test would be hard, but it was surprisingly easy.) |
📝 Usage Notes
- Often used in written Japanese, speeches, or commentary.
- It conveys surprise, irony, or reversal.
- Stronger and more literary than simply saying と思ったが.
✅ Example Sentences
1. 彼は無口かと思いきや、話し出したら止まらなかった。
(I thought he was quiet, but once he started talking, he wouldn’t stop.)
▶ Reversal from perceived personality.
2. 電車が遅れるかと思いきや、定刻通りに到着した。
(I thought the train would be delayed, but it arrived right on time.)
▶ Expectation (delay) turned out false.
3. 忙しいかと思いきや、彼は暇そうにしていた。
(I thought he was busy, but he seemed free.)
▶ Observational contrast.
4. 今日は寒いかと思いきや、むしろ暑いくらいだった。
(I thought it’d be cold today, but it was even kind of hot.)
▶ Weather-based expectation reversed.
🧠 Comparison with Other Grammar
～と思ったら / ～と思えば
Also expresses contrast, but often about sequential events, not emotional surprise.
Example: 彼が来たと思ったら、すぐに帰ってしまった。
(Just when he came, he left right away.)
🔁 Not necessarily surprising — just a sequence.
～のに
Used for general contradiction but doesn’t carry the emotional shift or irony of ～かと思いきや.
✍️ Practice Challenge
Translate the following using ～かと思いきや:
- I thought it would be a serious meeting, but everyone was laughing.
- I expected the restaurant to be full, but it was empty.
- I thought I failed the test, but I actually passed!
🧠 (Answers at the bottom!)
📚 Common Situations for ～かと思いきや
| Situation | Example |
|---|---|
| Weather | 雨が降るかと思いきや、快晴だった。 |
| Tests | 難しいかと思いきや、簡単だった。 |
| First Impressions | 厳しい先生かと思いきや、優しかった。 |
| Schedules | 遅れるかと思いきや、早く着いた。 |
🗣 Real-Life Tip
If you’re writing a blog, essay, or giving a presentation in Japanese, using ～かと思いきや adds sophistication. It’s also great for storytelling, especially when building suspense or flipping audience expectations.
Try saying this next time:
「彼は厳しいかと思いきや、実はとてもユーモアのある人でした。」
🏁 Summary
| Grammar Point | ～かと思いきや |
|---|---|
| Function | Express unexpected result contrary to expectation |
| Meaning | Just when I thought… / I expected… but… |
| Style | Formal, written, expressive |
| Similar | ～と思ったが (neutral), ～のに (contradiction) |
✅ Practice Answers
- 真面目な会議かと思いきや、みんな笑っていた。
- レストランが混んでいるかと思いきや、空いていた。
- 試験に落ちたかと思いきや、合格していた！
📢 Stay tuned for the next N1 grammar article: ～が早いか — for expressing two actions happening almost simultaneously!
