Welcome to our guide on how to say “coincidence” in Japanese! Whether you’re learning the language for business, travel, or sheer curiosity, it’s always helpful to know how to express the concept of coincidence in Japanese. In this guide, we will provide you with both formal and informal ways to convey this meaning. Although regional variations may exist, we will focus primarily on standard Japanese. So, let’s explore the different expressions for “coincidence” in Japanese!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings or official settings, it is important to use polite language. Here are the formal ways to say “coincidence” in Japanese:
1. 合致 (ごうち, gōchi)
This term is often used in formal contexts and refers to the concept of two or more things coinciding or fitting together. It can mean both literal and figurative coincidence. For example:
彼らの考えが合致しました。
かれらのかんがえがごうちしました。
(Kare-ra no kangae ga gōchi shimashita.)
Their thoughts coincided.
2. 偶然 (ぐうぜん, gūzen)
When you want to emphasize the idea of something happening by chance or purely by accident, “偶然” is the perfect term. This expression is commonly used in formal conversations. Take a look at this example:
彼と駅で偶然会いました。
かれと えき で ぐうぜん あいました。
(Kare to eki de gūzen aimashita.)
I ran into him at the station by chance.
Informal Expressions
Now, let’s explore some informal expressions for “coincidence” that you can use in casual conversations with friends, colleagues, or acquaintances.
1. 偶然 (ぐうぜん, gūzen)
This term, just like in formal language, is also commonly used in informal situations. It perfectly captures the meaning of coincidence. Here’s an example:
あの二人が同じ店で買い物をしているなんて、すごい偶然だね。
あの ふたり が おなじ みせ で かいもの を している なんて、 すごい ぐうぜん だ ね。
(Ano futari ga onaji mise de kaimono o shiteiru nante, sugoi gūzen da ne.)
It’s amazing that those two are shopping at the same store. Such a coincidence!
2. イタズラ (いたずら, itazura)
While primarily meaning “prank” or “mischief,” イタズラ is also used colloquially to express the idea of a coincidence or something unexpected. This term adds a playful tone to your conversation. Here’s an example:
例えば、あの人と偶然に再会して話すとか、全然予定していなかったイタズラがあるよね。
たとえば、あのひととぐうぜんに さいかいしてはなすとか、ぜんぜん よてい していなかった いたずら が ある よね。
(Tatoeba, ano hito to gūzen ni saikai shite hanasu toka, zenzen yotei shiteinakatta itazura ga aru yo ne.)
For example, there are coincidences or unexpected pranks like running into that person and having a conversation, even though you didn’t plan anything at all.
Summary
In summary, to express “coincidence” in Japanese, you can use various terms depending on the context and level of formality. In formal situations, “合致 (ごうち, gōchi)” and “偶然 (ぐうぜん, gūzen)” work well. In informal conversations, “偶然 (ぐうぜん, gūzen)” is commonly used, with the addition of “イタズラ (いたずら, itazura)” to add a playful touch. Remember to adapt your language to the people you are speaking with and the overall tone of the conversation.
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to express “coincidence” in Japanese. Practice using these expressions, and soon enough, you’ll be able to seamlessly talk about coincidences in Japanese conversations!
