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.
それは偶然の一致だ。
That's a coincidence.
偶然彼に会った。
I met him by 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.
偶然にも、同じ日に生まれた。
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).
意見が一致した。
Our opinions coincided.
それは単なる偶然の一致だ。
It's just a coincidence.
A more formal verb meaning 'to coincide' or 'to agree', often used in written or technical contexts.
両者の証言が符合した。
The two testimonies coincided.
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!).
奇遇ですね。
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.
駅でばったり友達に会った。
I ran into a friend at the station.
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).
偶然同時に電話が鳴った。
Coincidentally, the phones rang at the same time.
A formal, literary phrase meaning 'at the same time' or 'coincidentally'. Used in writing or speeches.
時を同じくして、二つの事件が起きた。
Coincidentally, two incidents occurred at the same time.
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.
偶然彼に会った。
I met him by coincidence. (neutral/formal)
たまたま彼に会った。
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.
彼が成功したのは偶然ではない。
It's no coincidence that he succeeded.
奇妙な偶然で、私たちは同じ電車に乗っていた。
By a strange coincidence, we were on the same train.
たまたまそこにいたんだ。
I just happened to be there.