noun / adjective HSK 4
accident · unexpected · mishap · surprise
Meaning
意外 refers to something that happens unexpectedly or outside of one's expectations. It commonly describes accidents, mishaps, or unforeseen events, often with a negative connotation. As an adjective, it means 'unexpected' or 'surprising.'
Usage
Native speakers frequently use 意外 in news reports about accidents, insurance contexts, and everyday conversations about surprising events. It's more formal than 突然 (sudden) and carries implications of something unplanned. Common in phrases like 发生意外 (an accident occurred) and 意外事故 (accident/mishap).
Examples
- 01他在上班路上发生了意外，被送进了医院。, .He had an accident on his way to work and was sent to the hospital.
- 02这次见面真是个意外的惊喜！!This meeting is really an unexpected pleasant surprise!
Characters
Measure words
- 场一场意外
- 次一次意外
Common collocations
- 发生意外an accident occurs
- 意外事故accident, mishap
- 意外收获unexpected gain/bonus
- 意外惊喜pleasant surprise
Antonyms
Origin
The compound literally means 'outside one's intention/expectation' (意 = intention/thought + 外 = outside), forming the semantic concept of something that falls outside what was anticipated.