たまたま

(2 entries)
Alternative writings: 偶々, 偶偶, ,
JLPT:N3
Frequency:

1By chance; accidentally; unexpectedly — indicating something happening without planning or intention.

AdverbUsually Kana

Examples

駅でたまたま大学の友達に会った。

I happened to meet a college friend at the station.

彼女はたまたまその記事を読んで興味を持った。

She happened to read that article and became interested.

たまたま近くを通りかかったので、この店に立ち寄ってみた。

I happened to be passing by nearby, so I dropped into this shop.

2Occasionally; once in a while; now and then — used to indicate infrequent occurrences (similar to 'tama ni').

AdverbUsually Kana

Examples

たまたま休日に映画を観に行くことがある。

Occasionally I go to the movies on my day off.

彼とはたまたま顔を合わせる程度で、あまり話したことがない。

I only occasionally run into him, so we haven't talked much.

Word Relationships

Synonyms