Translation guide
The English word "coincidence" refers to events that happen at the same time by chance in a surprising way. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several words and phrases, each with different nuances. The most common equivalent is 偶然 (guuzen), but depending on context, you might use 一致 (icchi) for matching details, たまたま (tamatama) for casual chance, or 奇遇 (kiguu) for a chance meeting. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
Expressing that something happened by chance, without planning, often with a sense of surprise.
The most direct and common translation for 'coincidence'. It can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. It implies an unexpected, chance event.
That's a coincidence.
A casual adverb meaning 'by chance' or 'coincidentally'. Often used in spoken Japanese to describe something that happened unexpectedly.
An adverbial phrase meaning 'coincidentally' or 'by coincidence'. Slightly more formal than たまたま.
Coincidentally, we were born on the same day.
Describing a situation where two things match, such as opinions, schedules, or details, often unexpectedly.
Means 'agreement', 'match', or 'coincidence' in the sense of things aligning. Often used in phrases like 偶然の一致 (coincidental match).
Specifically referring to an unexpected encounter with someone.
A noun meaning 'chance meeting' or 'unexpected encounter'. Often used in the phrase 奇遇ですね (What a coincidence meeting you here!).
Describing two events happening at the same time, often by chance.
Means 'simultaneous' or 'at the same time'. It can imply coincidence when combined with 偶然 (e.g., 偶然同時に).
偶然 (guuzen) is a noun/adjective/adverb that can be used in formal and informal contexts. たまたま (tamatama) is a casual adverb used mainly in spoken Japanese. While both mean 'by chance', たまたま sounds more offhand and less surprising.
I met him by coincidence. (neutral/formal)
It's no coincidence that he succeeded.
I met him by coincidence.
たまたまそこにいたんだ。
I just happened to be there.
Our opinions coincided.
It's just a coincidence.
A more formal verb meaning 'to coincide' or 'to agree', often used in written or technical contexts.
The two testimonies coincided.
What a coincidence! (meeting you here)
A colloquial phrase meaning 'to run into someone unexpectedly'. ばったり is an onomatopoeia for a sudden encounter.
I ran into a friend at the station.
Coincidentally, the phones rang at the same time.
A formal, literary phrase meaning 'at the same time' or 'coincidentally'. Used in writing or speeches.
Coincidentally, two incidents occurred at the same time.
I just happened to run into him. (casual)
The English word 'coincidence' is sometimes borrowed as コインシデンス (koinshidensu) in Japanese, but it is very rare and sounds unnatural. Stick to 偶然 or other native expressions.
By a strange coincidence, we were on the same train.