JLPT N1 grammar

〜と思いきやmeaning and usage

Meaning

Even though A (was thought/expected), different result B

How to form it

  • plain formと思いきや
  • verb (plain form)/い-adjective（の）かと思いきや
  • noun/な-adjective (stem)かと思いきや

How it is used

'I thought A, but in fact B', with B an unexpected outcome. Leans written, though also used in speech for humour or surprise. The similar 「と思ったら」 is more conversational.

Examples

  1. 彼女は帰るのかと思いきや、僕の隣に腰を下ろした。

    Even though I thought she'd return home, she sat down next to me.

  2. 店は混んでいると思いきや、客は私たちだけだった。

    I thought the restaurant would be packed, but we were the only customers.

  3. 財布をなくしたかと思いきや、かばんの底に入っていた。

    I thought I'd lost my wallet, but it was at the bottom of my bag.