Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing that something is 'accidental' depends on whether you mean unintentional, by chance, or an unexpected event. The most common ways involve adverbs like 偶然 (by chance) or adjectives like 意図しない (unintended).
Describing an event or meeting that happened without planning, often with a sense of coincidence.
Adverb or na-adjective meaning 'by chance' or 'accidental'. Very common for coincidental events.
駅で偶然彼に会った。
I met him by chance at the station.
それは偶然の一致だった。
It was an accidental coincidence.
Casual adverb meaning 'by chance' or 'happened to'. More conversational than 偶然.
たまたま通りかかっただけです。
I just happened to be passing by.
Emphasizes the accidental nature, often used in storytelling.
偶然にも、同じホテルに泊まっていた。
By chance, we were staying at the same hotel.
Describing an action or result that was not intended, often with a nuance of mistake or lack of intent.
Means 'unintended' or 'not intended'. Used for accidental outcomes.
意図しない結果になった。
It led to an accidental result.
Literally 'not intentional'. Often used to deny intent.
それは故意ではない、事故だった。
It wasn't intentional; it was an accident.
Formal/legal term for negligence or accidental fault.
過失による事故
an accident caused by negligence
Finding or encountering something unexpectedly, often with a positive nuance.
To find by chance. Common for accidental discoveries.
偶然いいレストランを見つけた。
I accidentally found a good restaurant.
To meet by chance, often for people.
旅先で偶然旧友に出会った。
I ran into an old friend by chance on my trip.
In philosophy or technical contexts, 'accidental' means non-essential or contingent.
The English word 'accidental' is often translated as 偶然 (by chance) or 意図しない (unintended). The noun 'accident' (as in a mishap) is 事故 (jiko). Be careful not to use 事故 as an adjective meaning 'accidental'.