Learn Japanese grammar: と思いきや (to omoikiya). Meaning: To think [A], but [B].
Grammar Notes
- Both [A] and [B] can be different phrases using regular nouns or verbs, and they should contradict each other.

Access ALL extra downloads, ebooks, and study guides by supporting JLPT Sensei on Patreon.
と思いきや - Example Sentences 例文
Each example sentence includes a Japanese hint, the romaji reading, and the English translation.
Click the below red button to toggle off and and on all of the hints, and you can click on the buttons individually to show only the ones you want to see.
Example #1
宝くじに当たったかと思いきや、番号を見間違えてしまった。
一瞬当たったと思ったが
takarakuji ni atatta ka to omoikiya, bangou wo mimachigaete shimatta.
I thought I won the lottery, but I had read the number wrong..
Example #2
やっと富士山の頂上に着いたと思いきや、まだ8合目だった。
頂上に着いたと思ったが
yatto fujisan no choujou ni tsuita to omoikiya, mada hachi goume datta.
I thought I had finally reached the peak of Mt. Fuji, but then realized I was still only at the 8th aid station.
Example #3
やっと試験が終わって休めるかと思いきや、宿題をたくさん出されました。
休めると思ったが、意外にもすぐに
yatto shiken ga owatte yasumeru ka to omoikiya, shukudai wo takusan dasaremashita.
I finished my exam and thought I could finally relax, but then got assigned a bunch of homework.
Example #4
年賀状の最後の1枚を書き終わったかと思いきや、10枚もまだ残っていた。
書き終わったと思ったが
nengajou no saigo no ichi mai wo kakiowatta ka to omoikiya, juu mai mo mada nokotteita.
I thought I had finished writing my last new year card, but there were still 10 remaining..
Vocabulary List 語彙
Kanji 漢字 | Kana カナ | English 英語 |
---|---|---|
宝くじ | たからくじ | lottery |
頂上 | ちょうじょう | peak; summit |
8合目 | 8ごうめ | 8th aid station (fuji) |
年賀状 | ねんがじょう | new years card |
View all JLPT N1 Vocabulary Lessons

View all JLPT N1 Grammar Lessons
