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.
By some chance, he might not come.
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.
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.
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'.
By some remote chance a fire breaks out, please use this emergency exit.
To describe something that happened by chance, often with a positive or surprising outcome.
A noun or adverb meaning 'coincidence' or 'by chance'. Neutral and widely used.
By some chance, I ran into an old friend at the station.
Casual adverb meaning 'by chance' or 'coincidentally'. Often used for unexpected but not necessarily significant events.
Literally 'by some connection/fate', implying a meaningful coincidence. Used when a chance meeting feels destined.
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'.
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.
By some chance it might snow tomorrow.
By some chance he might have already gone home.
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.
それは全くの偶然だった。
It was purely by chance.
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.
I'm happy that by some chance we could meet again.
If by some chance he doesn't come, please contact me.