Meanings of 碰巧
By ear
Play it, then pick what 碰巧 means.
About 碰巧
Podcast: 碰巧
Podcast: 碰巧
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 碰巧
偶然 (ǒurán) - use 碰巧 when emphasizing the unexpected nature of the occurrence, while 偶然 focuses more on the randomness of events.
Be careful not to confuse 碰巧 with other similar expressions like 偶然 (ǒurán), which has a slightly different nuance. This word is informal and is commonly used in everyday conversation. It often collocates with verbs like '遇到' (to encounter) or '发现' (to discover).
While 碰巧 is not an HSK vocabulary word, it is useful for learners at an intermediate level. Students should focus on using it in sentences that describe unexpected situations, connecting it with verbs and other expressions of chance.
Learners often mistakenly use 碰巧 in formal contexts, where a more formal expression might be preferred. For example, saying '碰巧我得到了这个工作' (By chance, I got this job) sounds less formal; a better alternative would be '巧合的是，我得到了这个工作' (Coincidentally, I got this job).
Pronunciation of 碰巧
Drill the tone of 碰巧 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 碰巧 to you
Let me explain 碰巧 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 碰巧 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 碰巧?
Learning Lab
Knowing 碰巧 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say by chance in Chinese
“by chance” in Chinese is碰巧
碰巧 means 'by chance' or 'coincidentally.' It is often used to describe situations where something unexpected occurs or when events align in an unforeseen way. This word can be used in both casual conversations and more formal contexts to express serendipitous occurrences.
When to use 碰巧
Be careful not to confuse 碰巧 with other similar expressions like 偶然 (ǒurán), which has a slightly different nuance. This word is informal and is commonly used in everyday conversation. It often collocates with verbs like '遇到' (to encounter) or '发现' (to discover).
碰巧 or something close to it
偶然 (ǒurán) - use 碰巧 when emphasizing the unexpected nature of the occurrence, while 偶然 focuses more on the randomness of events.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 碰巧 in formal contexts, where a more formal expression might be preferred. For example, saying '碰巧我得到了这个工作' (By chance, I got this job) sounds less formal; a better alternative would be '巧合的是，我得到了这个工作' (Coincidentally, I got this job).
Write 碰巧
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 碰巧 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 碰巧?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 碰巧
You can use it in sentences like: '我在街上碰巧遇到我的老朋友。' (I happened to run into my old friend on the street.)
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 碰巧?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.