Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing that something is 'accidental' depends on whether you mean unintentional, by chance, or an unexpected event. The most common ways involve adverbs like 偶然 (by chance) or adjectives like 意図しない (unintended).
Describing an event or meeting that happened without planning, often with a sense of coincidence.
Adverb or na-adjective meaning 'by chance' or 'accidental'. Very common for coincidental events.
I met him by chance at the station.
It was an accidental coincidence.
Casual adverb meaning 'by chance' or 'happened to'. More conversational than 偶然.
I just happened to be passing by.
Emphasizes the accidental nature, often used in storytelling.
By chance, we were staying at the same hotel.
Describing an action or result that was not intended, often with a nuance of mistake or lack of intent.
Finding or encountering something unexpectedly, often with a positive nuance.
In philosophy or technical contexts, 'accidental' means non-essential or contingent.
Philosophical term meaning 'accidental' as opposed to essential.
accidental attributes
The English word 'accidental' is often translated as 偶然 (by chance) or 意図しない (unintended). The noun 'accident' (as in a mishap) is 事故 (jiko). Be careful not to use 事故 as an adjective meaning 'accidental'.
It was accidental (by chance).
It was an accident (a mishap).
It wasn't intentional; it was an accident.
an accident caused by negligence
I ran into an old friend by chance on my trip.