Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
意料yìliào(yi4liao4)
意料 refers to the concept of anticipation or expectation regarding a future event or outcome. It is commonly used in contexts where one predicts or expects something based on current knowledge or experience, indicating a level of foresight or understanding.
Frequency#8965DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, anticipation often reflects a careful consideration of one's environment and the importance of planning ahead. This is evident in practices like Feng Shui, where predicting outcomes based on spatial arrangements is valued.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person making a calculation or estimate about a future event, using the image of a 'thought' (意) that leads to a 'prediction' (料). Visualize them looking into a crystal ball, where the thought of what will happen next is crystal clear, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation: 'yi' sounds like 'ee' and 'liao' like 'leo'.
Meanings of 意料
yìliào(yi4liao4)
1to anticipate
2to expect
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 意料
意料Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8965Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 意料
Podcast: 意料
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 意料
Quick Contrast
预期 (yùqī) — use 意料 for a more subjective anticipation based on personal judgment, while 预期 often implies a more objective or formal expectation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person making a calculation or estimate about a future event, using the image of a 'thought' (意) that leads to a 'prediction' (料). Visualize them looking into a crystal ball, where the thought of what will happen next is crystal clear, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation: 'yi' sounds like 'ee' and 'liao' like 'leo'.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 意料 with similar words like 预期 (yùqī), which is more formal and often used in written contexts. This term is more commonly used in conversation and can be paired with words like '范围' (fànwéi) to specify the scope of expectations.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 意料 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to prediction and expectation, such as 预料 (yùliào). Focus on understanding its usage in both written and spoken contexts, especially in expressing opinions or analyses.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, anticipation often reflects a careful consideration of one's environment and the importance of planning ahead. This is evident in practices like Feng Shui, where predicting outcomes based on spatial arrangements is valued.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 意料 with 料想 (liàoxiǎng), which has a more speculative connotation. For instance, saying '我意料他会来' (I anticipate he will come) is correct, while '我料想他会来' might imply less certainty.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 意料
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 意料 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 意料 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 意料
意料 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这条新闻最出人____了，真是让人想象不到。
It was the most unexpected piece of news one could possibly imagine.
Surprisingly, the ability to hypnotize yourself can be learnt in a single session.
5
他出乎意料地在办公室露了一下脸。
tā chū hū yì liào dì zài bàn gōng shì lòu le yī xià liǎn。
He made a brief, unexpected appearance at the office.
Cultural Notes for 意料
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, anticipation often reflects a careful consideration of one's environment and the importance of planning ahead. This is evident in practices like Feng Shui, where predicting outcomes based on spatial arrangements is valued.
Frequently Asked Questions about 意料
You can say '我对这个结果的意料是积极的' (I expect a positive outcome from this result).
Synonyms include 预期 (yùqī) and 预计 (yùjì), though they may have slightly different connotations.
While it can be used in formal contexts, it's more commonly found in everyday conversation.
