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.
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と思いきや - Example Sentences 例文
Each example sentence includes a Japanese hint, the romaji reading, and the English translation.
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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 |
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