Meaning

Primary

By Chance

Alternatives

Unexpectedly, Coincidence

Word Type

adverb, noun, な adjective, の adjective

Explanation

Accidentally but naturally (as in nothing was set up artificially before). So the accident was a true, natural accident. This kind of accident is something that happens by chance, or unexpectedly. In other words, a coincidence.

Reading

ぐうぜん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Context

Context Sentences

偶然の一致に思わず笑ってしまった。

I couldn't help but laugh at the coincidence.

偶然なショットだけど、いい写真が撮れた。

It was an accidental shot, but it turned out to be a good photo.

空港で偶然、高校時代の友人に会ったんですよ。

I unexpectedly ran into a friend from high school at the airport.

Kanji Composition