N3
ぐうぜん (gūzen)
偶然
coincidence; by chance
💡 Nuance & Usage:
Refers to a coincidence or happening by chance, without planning. Contrast with 必然 (necessity) or 故意 (intentionally). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Meeting you at the bookstore on the weekend was purely a coincidence! I-It's not like I investigated your favorite bookstore and waited for you or anything! Stop smiling like that!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『週末の本屋であんたとバッタリ会ったのは、100%偶然よ！あ、あんたがよく行く本屋を調べて待ち伏せしてたなんて、絶対に違うんだからね！ニヤニヤすんじゃないわよ！』
📝 Example Sentences
駅のホームで、偶然昔の友達に会いました。
I met an old friend by chance on the station platform.
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding of "偶然"!
昨日、デパートで_______高校時代の先生を見かけました。
🎉 正解 / Correct!
日本語: 予定していなかった巡り合わせを示す「偶然」が正解です。ハルカ部長：『偶然の出会いね！でも、あんたと私が出会ったのは、偶然じゃなくて運命の必然なんだからね！…なんてね！』
English: Since it indicates an unplanned meeting, 'by chance' (gūzen) is correct. Haruka: 'A chance meeting! But you and me meeting wasn't a coincidence, it was a fated necessity! ...Just kidding!'
English: Since it indicates an unplanned meeting, 'by chance' (gūzen) is correct. Haruka: 'A chance meeting! But you and me meeting wasn't a coincidence, it was a fated necessity! ...Just kidding!'
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