不料
unexpectedly; who would have thought; but then
Structure
（本来／原以为）A ， 不料 B（没想到的事）
What it means
“Unexpectedly; but then”: it brings in a turn nobody saw coming, often an unwelcome one.
How it is built
（本来／原以为）expectation，不料 + what really happened: 本来说好十点到，不料路上堵车 (we were due at ten, but got stuck in traffic).
When to use it
Written narrative; in speech say 没想到 or 谁知道. Unlike 居然, which goes after the subject and stresses surprise at a fact (他居然来了), 不料 normally heads its clause.
Watch out
Do not use it for something you expected: the first clause should set up the expectation that 不料 overturns. Keep it at the head of the second clause.
Examples
我们以为他要找上半天，不料一个伴郎往床底下一看，就从脸盆里把鞋拿了出来。
We thought he would be at it for ages, but then one of the groomsmen glanced under the bed and pulled the shoe out of a washbasin.
本来说好十点到，不料路上堵车，接亲的车队晚了一个小时。
They were due at ten, but they got stuck in traffic and the groom’s cars were an hour late.
天气预报说是晴天，不料典礼刚开始就下起了大雨。
The forecast said sunny, but the ceremony had barely begun when it started to pour.
Learn this in Lesson 42 · HSK 5–6: 婚礼这一天 (The wedding day)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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