coïncidence
/kɔ.ɛ̃.si.dɑ̃s/feminine
The English word coincidence is translated into French as coïncidence.
coïncidence refers to a state of events appearing to be connected when they are not. You can also use Hasard to mean "chance," which can convey the idea of a coincidence.
Meaning: state of events appearing to be connected when they are not (noun)
Which one should you use?
While coïncidence is the standard term, Concordance fortuite is a more formal expression that emphasizes the fortuitous nature of the event. In casual conversation, you might use the slang word Dingue to describe a coincidence that is "crazy" or "mind-blowing".
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun coïncidence is feminine, so it is used with the feminine indefinite article une (e.g., une coïncidence).
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ.ɛ̃.si.dɑ̃s/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When writing coïncidence, do not forget the diaeresis (the two dots) over the ï. This is required in French to show that the o and the i are pronounced as separate syllables.
Did you know?
- The root of coïncidence comes from the Latin cadō, which means 'to fall'. This implies that two events 'fall together' at the same time.
- French has a specific concept called le hasard fait bien les choses, which translates to 'chance makes things turn out well'. It is a common idiom used when a coincidence leads to a positive outcome.
- While English speakers often use 'chance' and 'coincidence' almost interchangeably, a French speaker might prefer le hasard to describe the concept of randomness itself, reserving coïncidence for the specific meeting of two events.
Examples in context
- Ce fut une coïncidence.It was a coincidence.This sentence shows how to state that something was a coincidence using coïncidence.Tatoeba #6859633 by GB3, translation #2547651 by CK
- Est-ce une coïncidence ?Is that a coincidence?This sentence is useful for asking if something is a coincidence using coïncidence.Tatoeba #6599410 by Aiji, translation #2646579 by CK
- Était-ce une coïncidence ?Was that a coincidence?Tatoeba #5291346 by Aiji, translation #2645704 by CK
- C'est une pure coïncidenceIt's a pure coincidence
- C'est un hasard incroyableIt's an incredible coincidence
- Tiens, toi aussi tu connais Paul ? Le monde est vraiment petit !Oh, you also know Paul? The world is really small!
- 71 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about meeting at a cafe.
- HugoQuelle coïncidence de te voir ici !What a coincidence to see you here!
- ManonC'est une drôle de coïncidence.It is a strange coincidence.
- HugoJe ne crois pas à la coïncidence.I do not believe in coincidence.
- ManonPourtant, c'est arrivé par hasard.And yet, it happened by chance.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coincidence” translations and entries coïncidence, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coïncidence, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
