chance
/ʃɑ̃s/feminine
In French, the word for chance (an opportunity or possibility) is chance.
The noun chance is used to describe an opportunity or a possibility. While it shares a meaning with the English word, it is important to note that the phrase avoir de la chance specifically means to be lucky.
Meaning: an opportunity or possibility (noun)
Which one should you use?
While chance refers to an opportunity, the specific phrase la chance is used to denote luck.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun chance is feminine. Therefore, it is preceded by feminine articles such as une or la instead of the masculine un or le.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃɑ̃s/
Did you know?
- The French word chance is a linguistic doublet of the English word 'cadence'. Both words evolved from the same Latin root meaning 'falling'.
- In French, saying bonne chance is the standard way to wish someone luck, but in the theater, it is often considered bad luck to say this to an actor before a show.
- While chance means luck or opportunity, French uses the word hasard to describe random chance or a coincidence. Using chance to mean a random occurrence can be a mistake.
Examples in context
- J'ai raté ma chance.I missed my chance.This sentence shows how to say one missed a chance.Tatoeba #7119903 by Micsmithel, translation #2387243 by CK
- Il n'a aucune chance.He doesn't stand a chance.This sentence shows how to say someone stands no chance.Tatoeba #2187157 by sacredceltic, translation #2182124 by Hybrid
- C'est ta seule chance.It's your only chance.This sentence shows how to say someone has a single chance.Tatoeba #1559619 by Rovo, translation #1476576 by Spamster
- Nous devons saisir cette occasion pour développer notre entreprise.We must seize this chance to expand our business.
- J'ai vraiment de la veine d'avoir ce travail.I'm really lucky to have this job.
- 310 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing a job opening.
- EmmaTu penses que j'ai une chance ?Do you think I have a chance?
- LucasOui, tu as toutes tes chances.Yes, you have every chance.
- EmmaJe ne veux pas rater cette chance.I don't want to miss this opportunity.
- LucasAlors, envoie ton CV aujourd'hui.Then send your CV today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chance” translations and entries chance, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chance, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
