案の定 means just as one thought; as usual; sure enough. It is a JLPT N1 Japanese grammar pattern used to express that something happened exactly as you had predicted, often with a sigh of confirmation or a hint of disappointment.
This grammar point almost always appears at the start of a sentence or clause, setting the tone for what follows. If you want to say “I knew it would turn out like this” or “sure enough, it happened”, 案の定 is a direct, natural way to say it — and it shows up in conversation, narratives, and JLPT N1 reading.
What does 案の定 mean?
Use 案の定 when you want to express that a result matches what you had already imagined or feared. It carries the flavor of “just as I thought” — not surprise, but a kind of expected inevitability.
Natural translations include:
- just as one thought; as expected; sure enough; as usual
The best translation depends on the sentence. Listen for the speaker’s tone. If there’s a light sigh or a “there it is” feeling, 案の定 fits.
How to form 案の定
案の定 is a set adverbial phrase. It doesn’t conjugate, and it doesn’t attach to any word. You place it at the beginning of a clause or sentence, then follow with the outcome.
Common patterns:
- 案の定、 雨が降った。 (Sure enough, it rained.)
- 案の定、彼は遅刻した。 (As usual, he was late.)
- 予想していたが、**案の定**だった。 (I expected it, and sure enough, that’s how it was.)
You can also end a sentence with 案の定だ / 案の定です to sum up: “That’s exactly as I thought.”
When is 案の定 used?
Use 案の定 in situations like:
- confirming a suspicion or fear that you held silently
- describing a recurring, predictable behavior (often negative)
- narrating a sequence of events where the outcome was inevitable
Tone and register:
- conversational, narrative; works in both casual and polite speech
- can sound a bit resigned, “I saw it coming”
- common in essays, novels, daily chat, and JLPT N1 reading passages
When you say 案の定, you are letting the listener know: “I already had this scenario in mind, and here it is.”
案の定 example sentences
After each sentence, notice the setup: the speaker already had an expectation. Then 案の定 introduces the reality that exactly matches it.
Nuance of 案の定
The key nuance is a private expectation becomes reality — often with a sigh. You aren’t surprised; you are vindicated.
This is different from simply stating “as expected” in a neutral way. 案の定 often carries a subtle emotional layer:
- Resignation: “I knew this would happen. Here we go again.”
- Confirmation: “See? I was right.”
- A trace of complaint: “As usual, things went the way they always do.”
Because of this, it fits perfectly with stories about someone’s bad habits, forecasts that pan out, or times when you just had a hunch.
案の定 vs やはり
Both 案の定 and やはり can be translated “as expected,” but they feel different.
If you want to emphasize “I was totally right about this particular thing,” go with 案の定. If you want a softer “it ended up as you’d expect,” やはり is safer.
Common mistakes with 案の定
A helpful check: if you can replace your English “as expected” with “sure enough” or “just as I knew she would,” 案の定 is probably right. If not, choose a less specific phrase.
Is 案の定 on the JLPT?
Yes. 案の定 is a standard JLPT N1 grammar point.
At the N1 level, you are expected to understand subtle adverbial expressions that set the tone for a whole sentence. 案の定 often appears in reading comprehension, especially in passages where a character’s prediction comes true.
- Tested in reading: yes
- Tested in listening: occasionally (tone of voice)
- Tested in grammar/vocabulary sections: common, often as a meaning-in-context question
Practice questions for 案の定
Keep your sentences simple at first. Once the positioning feels automatic, try adding a preceding context — the moment you formed the prediction — before the 案の定 clause.
Learning path for 案の定
Related grammar to review next
These patterns share a sense of expectation, inevitability, or deliberate stance — key concepts that come up with 案の定.
- 予め (arakajime) — beforehand; setting the stage before an expected event
- あくまでも (akumade mo) — to the last; persistently; emphasizing that a stance holds fast even when tested
- あっての (atte no) — exists because of; a relationship where one thing enables another, often forming an expected foundation
- 敢えて (aete) — dare to; doing something against the norm, which can defy or ironically fulfill an expectation
Learn 案の定 with Hane
If you want to practice 案の定 alongside these related expressions, Hane helps you drill Japanese grammar with short, focused sessions. It’s built for learners who want to move from recognition to real use.
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FAQ about 案の定
What does 案の定 mean in Japanese?
案の定 means “just as one thought; as usual; sure enough” in Japanese. It is an N1 grammar point, and this lesson explains its formation, nuance, example sentences, common mistakes, and similar grammar.
Is 案の定 on the JLPT?
案の定 is taught as N1 Japanese grammar in Hane's grammar lesson archive. Review it with examples, usage notes, and related N1 patterns.
How should I practice 案の定?
Read several example sentences, identify the form before and after 案の定, then make your own short sentences and compare it with nearby grammar points.