🇬🇧🇨🇳 unexpected - 意外 : English Lesson

Meaning of "unexpected" ("意外"), detailed definition, and a short video lesson below.

When something is unexpected, it happens suddenly and you didn’t plan it or see it coming, so it surprises you—like a pop-out jack-in-the-box moment in real life.

Watch and listen to this English flashcard to understand the word in more detail, with an easy example sentence.

I got an unexpected hug from my little brother, right before he whispered, "I just wiped my sticky hands on your shirt."

The unexpected smell in the car turned out to be the banana I lost three weeks ago—and it had become a science experiment.

Dad’s unexpected attempt to skateboard ended with him riding the board, then the board riding him.

The teacher’s unexpected announcement of a pop quiz was followed by 27 unexpected groans and one dramatic faint onto a backpack.

Our dog made an unexpected appearance in the family Zoom call, proudly carrying my underwear like a trophy.

A boy walks in the park. An unexpected dog runs to him. The unexpected dog drops an unexpected ball. The boy gives the unexpected dog a hug. Then unexpected rain falls. The boy is wet and happy. He laughs at the unexpected day. People smile. A girl claps. The boy goes home with the dog.

This word is at the A2 level, which means it’s useful for simple, everyday situations. You might use it when shopping, traveling, or talking about your hobbies. Words at this level help you build confidence in practical, routine conversations.

Expanding your English vocabulary is one of the best ways to improve your pronunciation, spelling, and confidence in English. Watch the video above to memorize the word, understand its meaning, and see example sentences in action. Discover related words to grow your vocabulary naturally. Add words to your playlist for stress-free, effective learning—anytime, anywhere! Watch, learn, repeat.