チャンス
chansu[t͡ɕã̠ɰ̃sɨ]
The English phrase "chance" can be translated into Japanese using チャンス (chansu) or 機会. Wiktionary also lists 機 (ki).
Meaning: an opportunity or possibility (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| チャンス | chansu | [t͡ɕã̠ɰ̃sɨ] (narrow) |
| 機会 | kikai | [kʲika̠i] (narrow) |
| 機 | ki | [kʲi] (narrow) [ko̞bɯ̟t͡ɕi] (narrow) |
In Japanese, "chance" is expressed as an opportunity or a possibility. You can use the verb つかむ (to seize/grab) with either form to say "to seize a chance," or the verb 逃す (to miss/let escape) to say "to miss a chance."
Which one should you use?
チャンス is a loanword from English often used in casual, everyday conversation to refer to a lucky break or a specific opportunity. The single character 機 can also be used in certain contexts to represent a chance or opportunity.
How do you pronounce it?
chansu
Did you know?
- One historical way the character 機 was linked to the idea of 'chance' involves the concept of 'striking the head', or こうべうち, suggesting a sudden, impactful moment.
- The word 機会 for 'opportunity' literally translates to 'machine-time'.
- While チャンス is a direct loanword from English, it is often felt to be more 'shallow' or 'temporary' compared to the more formal and profound feeling of 機会.
Examples in context
- チャンスを逃すな。Don't miss this chance.This sentence is useful for practicing the form チャンス in a negative command.Tatoeba #202965 by bunbuku, translation #2782554 by CK
- この好機を逃すな。Don't let this chance slip by.This sentence is useful for practicing the form 機 in a negative command.Tatoeba #221990 by bunbuku, translation #59314 by CK
- チャンスをつかめ。Take a chance.This sentence is useful for practicing the form チャンス in an imperative command.Tatoeba #11053930 by small_snow, translation #2250038 by CK
- 彼女に会う機会がありますか？Do you have a chance to meet her?
- このビジネスは大きなチャンスです。This business is a big chance/opportunity.
- パーティーで彼と話すチャンスがあったよ。I had a chance to talk to him at the party.
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about a job opening.
- 健太 Kentaいいチャンスがあるよ。Ii chansu ga aru yo.There is a great opportunity.
- 美咲 Misaki本当？どんな仕事なの？Hontou? Donna shigoto nano?Really? What kind of job is it?
- 健太 Kenta海外で働けるチャンスだよ。Kaigai de hatarakeru chansu dayo.It's a chance to work overseas.
- 美咲 Misakiそれは絶対に応募したい！Sore wa zettai ni oubo shitai!I definitely want to apply for that!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chance” translations and entries チャンス, 機会, 機, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries チャンス, 機, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
