偶然

ぐうぜん
Alternative writings: 遇然
JLPT:N3
Frequency:
1

An occurrence by chance or coincidence; something that happens accidentally rather than by necessity (used as a noun or na-adjective).

NounNa-AdjectiveNoun Taking 'の'

Examples

彼らは偶然の一致で同じ日に同じ店にいた。

By coincidence they were at the same shop on the same day.

偶然の出会いが人生を変えることもある。

A chance encounter can sometimes change a life.

それは偶然の一致だと私は思う。

I think that's a mere coincidence.

2

An adverb meaning 'by chance' or 'unexpectedly' — indicating something happened without planning or intention.

Adverb

Examples

昨日、偶然昔の友達に駅で会った。

Yesterday I unexpectedly ran into an old friend at the station.

その知らせを偶然聞いて驚いた。

I was surprised to hear the news by chance.

彼は偶然にもその賞を受賞した。

He won that prize by chance.

3

In philosophy, 'contingency' or chance — the concept contrasted with necessity, referring to events not strictly determined by prior causes.

NounPhilosophy

Examples

哲学の講義で偶然と必然の区別について議論した。

In the philosophy lecture we discussed the distinction between contingency and necessity.

Word Relationships