Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Chance" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "chance", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
機会
きかい (kikai)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
たまたま
たまたま (tamatama)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "chance" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 機会 and たまたま.
In Japanese, 機会 (きかい (kikai)) is typically associated with "chance, opportunity" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to a favorable moment or an opportunity. Often used with 動詞の辞書形＋機会がある/ない.
On the other hand, たまたま (たまたま (tamatama)) maps to "by chance, accidentally, unexpectedly" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when something happens coincidentally or unexpectedly, often implying a slight element of surprise. Similar to 偶然. A literal translation of "chance" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "機会"
もう一度日本へ行く機会があったら、行きたいです。
If I have another chance to go to Japan, I want to go.
Bilingual Context for "たまたま"
駅でたまたま昔の友達に会った。
I accidentally met an old friend at the station.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "もう一度日本へ行く ＿＿＿ があったら、行きたいです。" (Meaning: "If I have another chance to go to Japan, I want to go.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "機会" fits here because it means "chance, opportunity" in the context of: "If I have another chance to go to Japan, I want to go.". "たまたま" represents "by chance, accidentally, unexpectedly".