Translation guide
The English word 'chance' covers several distinct ideas: opportunity, probability/likelihood, risk, and coincidence. Japanese uses different words and patterns for each, and direct translation often fails.
A favorable moment or possibility to do something.
The most common and neutral word for 'opportunity' or 'chance' to do something. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
日本に行く機会があった。
I had a chance to go to Japan.
この機会を逃さないで。
Don't miss this chance.
A loanword from English, very common in casual speech. Often implies a lucky break or a one-time opportunity.
これが最後のチャンスだ。
This is your last chance.
チャンスがあったら、また会いたい。
If I get a chance, I want to see you again.
A formal, written expression meaning 'on the occasion of' or 'when the chance arises'. Often used in business or polite correspondence.
またの折にご連絡いたします。
I will contact you at another opportunity.
The degree to which something is likely to happen.
Means 'possibility' or 'probability'. Used to talk about the chance of something happening, both positive and negative.
成功する可能性は低い。
The chance of success is low.
雨が降る可能性がある。
There's a chance of rain.
Specifically means 'probability' in a mathematical or statistical sense. Often used with percentages.
Means 'there is a prospect/chance of ~'. Often used in business or formal contexts to express expectation.
回復の見込みがある。
There is a chance of recovery.
A possibility of something bad happening.
Means 'risk' or 'danger'. Used when the chance is specifically negative.
事故の危険性がある。
There is a chance of an accident.
Loanword from English, widely used in business and daily life for 'risk'.
Something happening without planning, accidentally.
Means 'coincidence' or 'by chance'. Can be used as a noun or adverb.
偶然彼に会った。
I met him by chance.
それはただの偶然だ。
It was just a chance occurrence.
Casual adverb meaning 'by chance' or 'coincidentally'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
To attempt something risky hoping for success.
Means 'to take the plunge and try'. Captures the sense of taking a chance despite uncertainty.
思い切って応募してみた。
I took a chance and applied.
A set phrase meaning 'Go for it, even if you might fail'. Equivalent to 'take a chance' or 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'.
当たって砕けろの精神でやってみよう。
Let's take a chance and give it a try.
チャンス only means 'opportunity', not 'probability'. Saying 雨のチャンス is wrong; use 可能性 or 確率 instead.
雨の可能性が高い。
There's a high chance of rain.
機会 is more neutral and can be used in formal writing. チャンス is more casual and often implies a lucky or rare opportunity. In many situations they are interchangeable, but チャンス sounds more excited.
昇進の機会 / 昇進のチャンス
a chance for promotion (both OK, チャンス sounds more like a big break)
当選確率は1%です。
The chance of winning is 1%.
Investment always involves a chance of loss.
たまたま通りかかった。
I happened to pass by by chance.