～かと思いきや JLPT N1

Formation

Sentence + かと思いきや (Verb plain form, i-/na-Adjective, or Noun + だ + かと思いきや)

Explanation

The ～かと思いきや grammar point is used when the outcome turns out different from what was initially assumed or expected. It can be translated as 'just when I thought...' or simply 'but (actually)...'. It often highlights that the speaker’s assumption was proven wrong by subsequent events.

Example sentences

• 明日は晴れるかと思いきや、まさかの雨が降った。

  I thought it would be sunny tomorrow, but unexpectedly it rained.

  Ashita wa hareru ka to omoikiya, masaka no ame ga futta.

• 彼が試験に落ちたかと思いきや、合格していた。

  I thought he had failed the test, but he actually passed.

  Kare ga shiken ni ochita ka to omoikiya, goukaku shite ita.

• このケーキは美味しそうだったかと思いきや、全然甘くなかった。

  I thought this cake would be delicious, but it wasn’t sweet at all.

  Kono keeki wa oishisou datta ka to omoikiya, zenzen amakunakatta.

• 列車が遅れるかと思いきや、時間通りに到着した。

  I thought the train would be late, but it arrived on time.

  Ressha ga okureru ka to omoikiya, jikan doori ni touchaku shita.