Translation guide
Expresses that something happens or is true through luck, coincidence, or an unspecified possibility, often with a nuance of uncertainty or unexpectedness.
To say that something might happen or be the case, by some chance or possibility.
A common pattern meaning 'it might be that...' or 'by some chance...'. Used when you think something is possible but not certain.
もしかしたら彼は来ないかもしれない。
By some chance, he might not come.
To describe something that happened by chance, often with a positive or surprising outcome.
To set up a hypothetical situation where something unlikely might occur.
Standard conditional pattern. Adding もし emphasizes the hypothetical nature, similar to 'if by some chance'.
もし彼が来たら、このメモを渡してください。
If by some chance he comes, please give him this note.
Used for very unlikely but serious conditions, like 'if by any chance'. Stronger than もし.
もしかしたら is used for uncertain possibilities (maybe/might). ひょっとすると is similar but slightly more casual and often used for sudden realizations. たまたま is for coincidental past events, not future possibilities.
もしかしたら明日は雪が降るかもしれない。
By some chance it might snow tomorrow.
ひょっとすると彼はもう帰ったかもしれない。
By some chance he might have already gone home.
It might rain by some chance, so let's take an umbrella.
An adverb meaning 'perhaps' or 'by some chance'. Slightly more casual than もしかしたら.
ひょっとすると彼女はもう知っているかもしれない。
By some chance, she might already know.
Similar to ひょっとすると, used in casual conversation to express a sudden thought or possibility.
ひょっとして、道に迷ったんじゃない？
By some chance, did you get lost?
Literally 'one in ten thousand', used for very unlikely but serious possibilities. Often translated as 'by some remote chance' or 'just in case'.
万が一火事が起きたら、この非常口を使ってください。
By some remote chance a fire breaks out, please use this emergency exit.
A noun or adverb meaning 'coincidence' or 'by chance'. Neutral and widely used.
偶然、駅で昔の友達に会った。
By some chance, I ran into an old friend at the station.
それは全くの偶然だった。
It was purely by chance.
Casual adverb meaning 'by chance' or 'coincidentally'. Often used for unexpected but not necessarily significant events.
たまたま通りかかったら、ちょうど花火が始まった。
By some chance, I was passing by just as the fireworks started.
Literally 'by some connection/fate', implying a meaningful coincidence. Used when a chance meeting feels destined.
何かの縁でまたお会いできて嬉しいです。
I'm happy that by some chance we could meet again.
万一彼が来なかったら、私に連絡してください。
If by some chance he doesn't come, please contact me.
I happened to meet him yesterday.
Do not translate 'by some chance' word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like 何かの機会で or あるチャンスで are unnatural. Use the patterns and words above instead.
I happened to meet him yesterday.
Do not translate 'by some chance' word-for-word into Japanese. Phrases like 何かの機会で or あるチャンスで are unnatural. Use the patterns and words above instead.