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March 24, 2026
偶然ǒurán(ou3ran2)
The term 偶然 (ǒurán) refers to events that happen by chance or incidentally, rather than by intention or design. It is used to describe occurrences that are unexpected or random, often with a sense of serendipity or surprise.
Strokes23Frequency#4692DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of fate or serendipity is often intertwined with daily life, making 偶然 a significant term when discussing unexpected events. It reflects the belief in the interconnectedness of experiences and the role of chance in one’s life.
Memory Tip
Imagine stumbling upon a hidden treasure while walking randomly through a field. The character 偶 (ǒu) can be visualized as 'accidentally finding something,' while 然 (rán) suggests that it 'just happens' — together, they represent the idea of chance encounters.
Meanings of 偶然
ǒurán(ou3ran2)
1incidentally
2occasional
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About 偶然
偶然Simplified
23Strokes
—Radical
副形词xíngróngcíadj-adverb (adj.-adv.)Part of Speech
#4692Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 偶然
Podcast: 偶然
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AI Study Notes for 偶然
Quick Contrast
意外 (yìwài) - use 偶然 when emphasizing chance occurrences, while 意外 conveys a sense of unexpectedness that may have significant implications.
Usage Notes
Learners should be careful not to confuse 偶然 with intentional actions; it specifically denotes randomness. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as discussions about fate or coincidence. A common collocation is '偶然机会' (ǒurán jīhuì), meaning 'chance opportunity.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 偶然 connects well with other words expressing uncertainty or randomness, such as 可能 (kěnéng, possible) and 随机 (suíjī, random). Students should focus on using it in various contexts to express accidental situations or events.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 偶然 by implying intention, such as saying '我偶然决定去旅行' (wǒ ǒurán juédìng qù lǚxíng), which suggests a chance decision rather than a planned one. The correct phrasing would be '我决定偶然去旅行' (wǒ juédìng ǒurán qù lǚxíng) to maintain the sense of randomness.
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Pronunciation of 偶然
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The term 偶然 (ǒurán) refers to events that happen by chance or incidentally, rather than by intention or design. It is used to describe occurrences that are unexpected or random, often with a sense of serendipity or surprise.
When to use 偶然
Learners should be careful not to confuse 偶然 with intentional actions; it specifically denotes randomness. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as discussions about fate or coincidence. A common collocation is '偶然机会' (ǒurán jīhuì), meaning 'chance opportunity.'
偶然 or something close to it
意外 (yìwài) - use 偶然 when emphasizing chance occurrences, while 意外 conveys a sense of unexpectedness that may have significant implications.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 偶然 by implying intention, such as saying '我偶然决定去旅行' (wǒ ǒurán juédìng qù lǚxíng), which suggests a chance decision rather than a planned one. The correct phrasing would be '我决定偶然去旅行' (wǒ juédìng ǒurán qù lǚxíng) to maintain the sense of randomness.
Write 偶然
偶
然
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Grammar Patterns of 偶然
偶然 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
