بالصدفة
bi-s-sudfah
The English word 'accidentally' is translated into Arabic as بالصدفة (bi-s-sudfah).
بالصدفة is used to describe both neutral coincidences and accidental actions. You can also use the noun form صدفة to mean 'a coincidence'.
Meaning: happening by chance, not necessarily a lucky one (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase بالصدفة is composed of the preposition 'bi-' (by/with) and the noun 'sudfah' (chance/coincidence).
Which one should you use?
Other formal phrases exist for specific nuances: use بطريقة عارضة to mean 'inadvertently' or 'in an incidental manner' and use بطريقة غير مقصودة to mean 'in an unintended manner'.
How do you pronounce it?
bi-s-sudfah
Did you know?
- The root of بالصدفة is shared with the Arabic word for 'seashell', صدفة. This suggests a historical link between the randomness of finding a shell on a beach and the concept of 'chance'.
- Arabic speakers often use the phrase سبحان الله ('Glory be to God') immediately after a صدفة occurs. This turns a neutral observation of an accident into a moment of spiritual reflection.
- While بالصدفة is common, in many Arabic dialects, people might use the word خبط لزق to describe doing something 'accidentally' or 'haphazardly' in a very informal way.
Examples in context
- قابلته بالصدفة في السوق.qabal-tuhu bil-sudfa fil-suq.I met him by chance in the market.
- وجدت هذه الصورة بالصدفة.wajad-tu hadhihi al-sura bil-sudfa.I found this photo accidentally.
- حدث كل هذا بالصدفة.hadatha kull hadha bil-sudfa.All of this happened by chance.
Example conversation
Yousef and Nour meet unexpectedly at a mall.
- يوسف Youssefأهلاً نور! هل أنتِ هنا بالصدفة؟Ahlan Nour! Hal anti huna bil-sudfa?Hi Nour! Are you here accidentally?
- نور Nourنعم يا يوسف، أنا أتسوق هنا.Na'am ya Yousef, ana atasawwaq huna.Yes Yousef, I am shopping here.
- يوسف Youssefيا لها من مفاجأة جميلة!Ya laha min mufaja'a jamila!What a beautiful surprise!
- نور Nourأنا سعيدة لأنني رأيتك.Ana sa'ida li'annani ra'aytuk.I am happy that I saw you.
