Meaning
不曾想 expresses surprise at an unexpected outcome or situation. It means 'never imagined' or 'didn't expect' and is used when reality turns out differently than anticipated. The phrase combines 不 (not), 曾 (ever/once), and 想 (to think/imagine) to convey that something was beyond one's expectations.
Usage
This phrase is somewhat literary and appears more often in written Chinese or formal speech. It typically appears at the beginning of a clause to introduce an unexpected result. Native speakers use it to express genuine surprise about how events unfolded, often with a tone of reflection or mild regret.
Examples
- 01我当初选择这个专业，不曾想今天会有这样的成就。, .When I chose this major back then, I never imagined I would achieve such success today.
- 02他们分开多年，不曾想在异国他乡重逢了。, .They had been separated for many years and never imagined they would reunite in a foreign land.
Characters
Common collocations
- 不曾想到never imagined that
- 不曾想会never thought it would
Antonyms
Origin
This phrase evolved from classical Chinese usage where 曾 means 'ever' or 'once.' Combined with negation 不 and the verb 想 (to think), it creates the meaning 'never once thought' or 'never imagined.'