不料 (búliào) – unexpectedly, to one's surprise

Pattern

• Clause 1，不料 + Clause 2
• Clause 1，不料 + Subject + 却 / 竟 + Verb phrase

Usage

• A conjunction opening the second clause, showing a development contrary to the plan or expectation in the first; often with 却, 竟, 竟然, 还.

Examples

1. 1

   我们为项目做了充分准备，不料市场需求突然发生了巨大变化。

   Wǒmen wèi xiàngmù zuò le chōngfèn zhǔnbèi, búliào shìchǎng xūqiú tūrán fāshēng le jùdà biànhuà.

   We had prepared thoroughly for the project, but unexpectedly market demand changed dramatically.

2. 2

   本想出去散散步，不料下起了大雨。

   Běn xiǎng chūqù sànsan bù, búliào xià qǐ le dàyǔ.

   I meant to go out for a walk, but then it started pouring.