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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing unexpected realization with 没想到 (méi xiǎngdào)

    Actions & Events
    Emphasis

    Structure

    没想到 + Subject + Predicate

    Explanation

    The phrase 没想到 (méi xiǎngdào) means "unexpectedly" or "never expected that." It is used to express surprise at something that happened contrary to one's expectations. It often appears at the beginning of a clause to set up an unexpected outcome.

    Examples

    • 没想到这家小店的菜这么好吃！

      Méi xiǎng dào zhè jiā xiǎo diàn de cài zhème hǎochī!

      I didn't expect the food at this little restaurant to be so delicious!

    • 没想到你的中文说得这么流利，太厉害了。

      Méi xiǎng dào nǐ de Zhōngwén shuō de zhème liúlì, tài lìhài le.

      I didn't expect your Chinese to be so fluent — that's impressive!

    • 没想到十年没见，他变化这么大。

      Méi xiǎng dào shí nián méi jiàn, tā biànhuà zhème dà.

      I didn't expect him to have changed so much after not seeing him for ten years.

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    Expressing unexpected realization with 没想到 (méi xiǎngdào) | Chinese Grammar