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.
I had a chance to go to Japan.
Don't miss this chance.
A loanword from English, very common in casual speech. Often implies a lucky break or a one-time opportunity.
This is your last chance.
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.
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.
The chance of success is low.
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.
There is a chance of recovery.
A possibility of something bad happening.
Something happening without planning, accidentally.
To attempt something risky hoping for success.
Means 'to take the plunge and try'. Captures the sense of taking a chance despite uncertainty.
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'.
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.
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.
a chance for promotion (both OK, チャンス sounds more like a big break)
There's a chance of rain.
当選確率は1%です。
The chance of winning is 1%.
Investment always involves a chance of loss.
It was just a chance occurrence.
たまたま通りかかった。
I happened to pass by by chance.