inesperado
/in-es-pe-RAH-doh/
unexpected
When something is inesperado, it is completely unexpected, like finding a giant rubber duck in your path.
inesperado(Adjective)
unexpected
?surprising event or news
,unforeseen
?not anticipated
sudden
?happening quickly and without preparation
📝 In Action
Su visita fue totalmente inesperada, ¡qué alegría!
B1His visit was totally unexpected, what a joy!
La tormenta inesperada arruinó nuestros planes de picnic.
B2The unexpected storm ruined our picnic plans.
Recibimos una llamada inesperada del hospital.
B1We received an unexpected call from the hospital.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Number Match
As an adjective, 'inesperado' must change its ending to match the noun it describes: 'un evento inesperado' (masculine singular), 'una llamada inesperada' (feminine singular), 'regalos inesperados' (masculine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Gender Match
Mistake: "La sorpresa fue inesperado."
Correction: La sorpresa fue inesperada. (Since 'sorpresa' is feminine, the adjective must end in -a.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Totalmente'
Pair 'inesperado' with 'totalmente' (totally) or 'completamente' (completely) to emphasize the surprise: 'Fue una sorpresa totalmente inesperada.'
As a noun, el inesperado refers to the abstract concept or event of the unexpected, representing a sudden, unpredictable change.
📝 In Action
Debemos prepararnos para lo inesperado.
B2We must prepare ourselves for the unexpected.
En la vida, lo inesperado es a menudo lo más emocionante.
C1In life, the unexpected is often the most exciting thing.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Lo' to Create Abstract Nouns
Putting the word 'lo' (the neutral article) before an adjective turns the adjective into a noun, referring to the general idea or quality. 'Lo inesperado' means 'the quality of being unexpected.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
This noun form is often found in serious discussions about risk management, philosophy, or drama, rather than everyday chat.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: inesperado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the feminine form of 'inesperado'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'inesperado' and 'sorpresa'?
'Inesperado' is an adjective, meaning 'unexpected' (e.g., 'una noticia inesperada'). 'Sorpresa' is a noun, meaning 'surprise' (e.g., '¡Qué sorpresa!'). They are often used together, as in 'una sorpresa inesperada' (an unexpected surprise).
How do I make 'inesperado' plural?
To make it plural, you just add an -s: 'inesperados' (masculine plural) or 'inesperadas' (feminine plural). For example: 'cambios inesperados' (unexpected changes).