偶然

• Pinyin: ǒu rán
• Hanzi breakdown: 偶 = 亻(person) + 禺, by chance; 然 = 肉 (meat) + 犬 (dog) + 火 (fire), natural/thus

Meaning

Accidental; by chance; coincidental. Something that happens unexpectedly without being planned.

Emphasizes the chance nature of an event, opposite of 必然 (inevitable). Can be used as an adjective or adverb. Common expressions: 偶然事件 (accidental event), 偶然相遇 (chance encounter), 纯属偶然 (purely coincidental).

Examples

1. 我们的相遇完全是偶然的。 Our meeting was completely by chance.
2. 这次成功不是偶然的，是我们努力的结果。 This success was not accidental; it's the result of our hard work.
3. 他偶然发现了一个解决问题的新方法。 He accidentally discovered a new way to solve the problem.

Usage Guide

Context: analysis, philosophy, everyday

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 这绝非偶然，一定有什么原因。(This is definitely not a coincidence; there must be a reason.)
• 偶然的机会让我认识了他。(A chance opportunity allowed me to meet him.)

Don't Say

• 我偶然地每天去健身房。(Contradictory — 偶然 implies by chance, not a regular habit)

Origin & History

偶 (ǒu, by chance) + 然 (rán, so/thus). In such a chance manner; accidentally.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal