At the A1 level, you should learn 'par hasard' as a simple way to say 'by chance' or 'by accident.' Think of it as the opposite of doing something on purpose ('exprès'). You can use it at the end of simple sentences to describe things that just happened. For example, 'I am here par hasard' (Je suis ici par hasard). It is very useful for explaining why you are somewhere or why you have something without a complicated reason. At this stage, don't worry about the complex grammar; just treat it as a fixed phrase that adds more detail to your stories. It helps you sound more natural when you talk about meeting friends or finding things in your bag. Remember, the 'h' is silent, but you don't link the words before it. Just say 'par hasard' clearly as two separate sounds.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'par hasard' to make your questions more polite. Instead of just asking 'Do you have a map?', you can say 'Do you have a map, par hasard?' (Vous avez un plan, par hasard ?). This makes you sound much more like a real French speaker because it shows you are being careful and polite. You can also use it to describe common daily events, like running into a friend or seeing something interesting on TV. You should also learn the difference between 'par hasard' and 'par chance.' Use 'par chance' when something good happens, and 'par hasard' when it's just a neutral fact. This distinction is a great way to improve your vocabulary at this level. You might also see it in short stories or simple news articles.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'par hasard' with more complex sentence structures. This includes the 'Si par hasard...' (If by any chance...) construction. For example, 'Si par hasard vous le voyez, dites-lui bonjour' (If by any chance you see him, say hello). You should also be comfortable using it with the conditional mood to be very polite: 'Auriez-vous, par hasard, quelques minutes à me consacrer ?' (Would you happen to have, by any chance, a few minutes for me?). At this level, you should also understand the sarcastic use of 'Comme par hasard' (How convenient!). This adds a layer of cultural understanding and allows you to express irony. You are now moving from simple descriptions to expressing nuance, possibility, and social politeness.
At the B2 level, you should understand the conceptual difference between 'le hasard' (randomness/fate) and 'la probabilité' (probability). You can use 'par hasard' in more formal arguments or when discussing scientific and historical topics. For instance, you might discuss how certain discoveries were made 'par hasard.' You should also be able to distinguish 'par hasard' from its synonyms like 'fortuitement' or 'involontairement' depending on the register. At B2, you should also be aware of the etymology (the Arabic origin of the word) and how it fits into French philosophical thought. You can use it to describe complex coincidences and explain the role of randomness in various outcomes, using more sophisticated sentence structures and varied vocabulary.
At the C1 level, you master the subtle rhetorical uses of 'par hasard.' You can use it to structure an argument, perhaps by dismissing an event as occurring 'purement par hasard' to emphasize that it wasn't part of a trend. You should be familiar with literary references involving 'le hasard,' such as the works of Stéphane Mallarmé or the surrealists who celebrated the 'hasard objectif.' Your use of the phrase should be seamless, appearing in parenthetical statements to add a layer of modesty or uncertainty to your high-level discourse. You also understand the legal and technical implications of 'cas fortuit' or 'force majeure' which are related to the concept of events happening 'par hasard' outside of human control.
At the C2 level, 'par hasard' is part of a vast repertoire of expressions you use to discuss the nature of existence, causality, and randomness. you can analyze the nuances between 'le hasard,' 'la contingence,' and 'la nécessité' in a philosophical or academic context. You are able to use the phrase in highly stylized writing, playing with its placement to create rhythmic or dramatic effects. You understand the deepest cultural ironies associated with the term and can use it in sophisticated wordplay. For a C2 speaker, 'par hasard' is not just a phrase but a window into the French way of conceptualizing the unpredictable nature of the world, and you can navigate its many layers of meaning with total precision and native-like intuition.

par hasard 30秒で

  • Par hasard means 'by chance' or 'by accident.' It describes events that happen without a plan or intention, like meeting a friend unexpectedly on the street.
  • It is a versatile phrase used in everyday conversation, formal writing, and polite questions. In questions, it functions like the English 'by any chance' to soften requests.
  • Do not confuse it with 'au hasard' (at random) or 'par chance' (luckily). Par hasard is neutral, while par chance implies a positive outcome for the speaker.
  • The word 'hasard' comes from the Arabic word for dice, reflecting the idea of randomness. In French, it does not mean 'danger' like the English word hazard.

The French expression par hasard is an essential adverbial phrase that translates to 'by chance,' 'by accident,' or 'incidentally' in English. At its core, it describes an event that occurs without a specific plan, intention, or predictable cause. While it might seem simple, the nuance of 'hasard' in French is distinct from its English cognate 'hazard.' In English, a hazard usually implies danger or risk, but in French, le hasard refers to the abstract concept of luck, randomness, or fate. When you say something happened par hasard, you are emphasizing the lack of premeditation. It is used in everyday conversation to describe serendipitous encounters, finding lost objects, or even to soften a request or question to make it more polite and less direct.

Core Meaning
The occurrence of an event in the absence of any obvious intention or cause; the manifestation of randomness in daily life.
Tone
Neutral to slightly informal, but perfectly acceptable in formal writing to describe scientific or historical coincidences.

Understanding the historical weight of the word is also helpful. The word hasard comes from the Arabic 'az-zahr,' meaning 'the dice.' This origin perfectly captures the essence of the phrase: life is like a game of dice where outcomes are not guaranteed. When you use this phrase, you are acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the universe. In modern French, it is one of the most frequent ways to express that something was not done 'on purpose' (exprès). For example, if you bump into a friend at the supermarket, you didn't plan it; it happened par hasard. If you find a ten-euro note on the sidewalk, that too is par hasard.

Nous nous sommes rencontrés par hasard à la gare de Lyon hier soir.

Furthermore, the phrase serves a pragmatic function in French politeness. Much like the English 'by any chance,' adding par hasard to a question makes it less intrusive. If you ask 'Do you have a pen?' it is a direct request. If you ask 'Would you happen to have a pen by any chance?' (Auriez-vous un stylo par hasard ?), you are providing the person with an easy out, implying that you don't necessarily expect them to have one. This subtle use is vital for B1 level learners who are moving beyond simple information exchange into social nuance. It demonstrates a mastery of 'adoucisseurs' (softeners) in the language.

In a broader philosophical sense, French culture often debates the role of le hasard. From Mallarmé’s famous poem 'Un coup de dés jamais n'abolira le hasard' (A throw of the dice will never abolish chance) to everyday discussions about luck, the concept is deeply embedded in the Gallic psyche. It suggests a world where not everything is under human control, providing a linguistic tool to describe the beauty and frustration of the unexpected. Whether you are explaining a scientific discovery made accidentally or simply telling a story about your day, par hasard is your go-to expression for the unscripted moments of life.

C'est par hasard que le chercheur a découvert ce nouveau vaccin.

Common Contexts
Social encounters, finding lost items, making polite inquiries, explaining scientific breakthroughs, and describing coincidences.

To wrap up, remember that par hasard is not just about 'luck' (which is la chance). Luck is usually positive. Par hasard is neutral. You can find a hundred euros par hasard (lucky!), but you can also break your leg par hasard (unlucky!). It is the mechanism of the event, not the quality of the outcome, that this phrase describes. Mastery of this expression allows you to narrate the complexity of life with the same ease as a native speaker, bridging the gap between planned actions and the chaotic beauty of the world.

Si par hasard tu le vois, dis-lui de m'appeler.

Using par hasard correctly involves understanding its syntactic flexibility. In French, adverbial phrases can often move around, but their position can slightly shift the emphasis of the sentence. Most commonly, par hasard appears at the end of a clause or immediately following the verb it modifies. For example, 'I found this book by chance' is 'J'ai trouvé ce livre par hasard.' Here, the phrase provides additional information about the action of finding. However, when used in questions to add a layer of politeness or uncertainty, it often moves toward the middle of the sentence or follows a conditional verb.

Sentence End Position
This is the standard descriptive use. Example: 'Ils se sont croisés par hasard dans la rue.'
Mid-Sentence Position
Often used in 'si' (if) clauses or with conditional verbs to express a possibility. Example: 'Si par hasard il pleut, nous resterons à la maison.'

One of the most powerful ways to use par hasard is in the 'By any chance' construction. In English, we might say, 'Do you have the time, by any chance?' In French, this becomes 'Est-ce que vous auriez l'heure, par hasard ?' or 'Vous n'auriez pas vu mes clés, par hasard ?' Note the use of the conditional mood (auriez) combined with the phrase. This combination is the gold standard for polite inquiry in French-speaking countries. It suggests that the speaker is aware they might be bothering the other person or that the outcome is unlikely.

Vous ne seriez pas le frère de Julie, par hasard ?

Another important grammatical structure involves the use of 'si' (if). When you want to say 'If by any chance,' the French structure is 'Si par hasard...' followed by the present or imperfect tense. For instance, 'Si par hasard vous changez d'avis, appelez-moi' (If by any chance you change your mind, call me). This is a very common way to leave a door open in business or social negotiations. It sounds professional and non-pressuring. It’s also worth noting that par hasard can be modified by the word 'pur' (pure) to emphasize that there was absolutely no connection or plan involved: 'C'est par un pur hasard que j'ai gagné' (It's by pure chance that I won).

In more literary or formal contexts, you might see par hasard used to start a sentence, though this is less common in speech. 'Par hasard, il découvrit un passage secret.' This places the emphasis squarely on the accidental nature of the discovery right from the start. However, for most B1 learners, sticking to the end of the sentence or the 'si par hasard' structure will yield the most natural-sounding results. It is also important to distinguish it from 'par accident,' which is often reserved for physical mishaps (like car crashes or dropping a glass), whereas par hasard is broader and more conceptual.

Je suis tombé sur cette ancienne photo par hasard en rangeant le grenier.

Negative Sentences
'Ce n'est pas par hasard que...' (It is not by chance that...). This is a common way to suggest there is a hidden reason or plan behind an event. Example: 'Ce n'est pas par hasard qu'il a réussi; il a beaucoup travaillé.'

Finally, let's look at the phrase in complex sentences. You might say, 'J'ai entendu, par hasard, une conversation qui ne m'était pas destinée.' The commas here isolate the phrase, giving it a parenthetical feel, almost as if the speaker is apologizing for the accidental nature of the action. This versatility makes par hasard one of the most useful tools in your French vocabulary for adding texture and tone to your storytelling and daily interactions.

Si par hasard vous avez besoin d'aide, n'hésitez pas à demander.

The phrase par hasard is ubiquitous in the French-speaking world, appearing in everything from high literature to the most casual street slang. If you are walking through a French city, you will likely hear it used in the context of unplanned social meetings. French culture places a high value on 'les rencontres fortuites' (chance encounters), and par hasard is the linguistic vehicle for these moments. You’ll hear people on their phones saying, 'Tu ne devineras jamais qui j'ai croisé par hasard !' (You'll never guess who I ran into by chance!). It’s a staple of storytelling in the 'passé composé' tense.

Daily Life
Common in shops or on the street when asking for information or running into someone. 'Vous ne vendriez pas de timbres par hasard ?'
Media & News
Used to describe unexpected events, like a witness who was 'par hasard' at the scene of a crime or a discovery made by chance.

In French cinema and television, par hasard is a frequent plot device. Screenwriters use it to justify the meeting of two protagonists or the discovery of a crucial piece of evidence. If you watch a French 'film policier' (detective movie), the detective might say, 'C'est un peu trop de hasard à mon goût' (That's a bit too much chance for my taste), implying that they suspect foul play or a conspiracy. This highlights the word's role in the tension between the accidental and the intentional. In romantic comedies, the phrase is often used to describe the 'coup de foudre' (love at first sight) or the series of accidents that bring a couple together.

Je passais devant ta maison par hasard, alors je me suis arrêté.

In the workplace, par hasard is used to soften professional requests. If a colleague asks, 'Auriez-vous vu le dossier Martin par hasard ?', they are being polite and acknowledging that you aren't necessarily responsible for it. It’s also heard in scientific or academic lectures. A professor might explain how Penicillin was discovered par hasard by Alexander Fleming. In this context, it takes on a more serious, historical tone, referring to 'serendipity'—the happy accident of finding something valuable while looking for something else. This demonstrates the phrase's range from the trivial to the monumental.

You will also encounter the phrase in French literature and philosophy. The French have a long tradition of contemplating 'le hasard.' Writers like Albert Camus or Jean-Paul Sartre often used the concept to discuss the absurdity of existence. In their works, things happen par hasard because the universe lacks a predefined meaning. While this might be deeper than your average coffee shop chat, it shows why the phrase is so deeply ingrained in the language. It’s not just a filler phrase; it’s a way of looking at the world. Even in modern French pop songs, you'll hear lyrics about meeting a lover par hasard on a rainy day in Paris.

Comme par hasard, il a oublié son portefeuille au moment de payer.

Sarcastic Usage
The phrase 'Comme par hasard' (As if by chance) is often used sarcastically to mean 'How convenient' or 'What a coincidence (not!)'. Example: 'Il est malade le jour du test, comme par hasard.'

Lastly, in the digital age, you might see par hasard in forum posts or social media comments. 'J'ai trouvé ce groupe par hasard et j'adore !' (I found this group by chance and I love it!). Whether it's the algorithm or true randomness, the French speaker still attributes the discovery to le hasard. From the 17th-century dice games to 21st-century internet browsing, the phrase remains a constant companion in the French linguistic landscape, helping speakers navigate the unpredictable journey of life.

Est-ce que vous connaissez un bon restaurant dans le quartier, par hasard ?

For English speakers learning French, the expression par hasard presents several potential pitfalls, primarily due to 'false friends' and subtle distinctions between similar-sounding phrases. The most common error is confusing the French word hasard with the English word 'hazard.' In English, a hazard is a danger or a risk (e.g., 'fire hazard'). In French, un hasard is simply a chance event. If you want to say 'This is dangerous' in French, you should say 'C'est dangereux' or 'C'est un risque,' not 'C'est un hasard.' Misusing this can lead to significant confusion in safety-critical situations.

Mistake #1: False Friend
Using 'hasard' to mean 'danger'. Correct French for danger is 'danger' or 'péril'.
Mistake #2: Par hasard vs. Au hasard
'Par hasard' means 'unintentionally/by chance'. 'Au hasard' means 'at random' (a choice made without a specific rule). Example: 'J'ai choisi un livre au hasard' (I picked a book at random) vs 'J'ai trouvé ce livre par hasard' (I found this book by chance).

Another frequent mistake is the confusion between par hasard and par chance. While both involve events that weren't planned, par chance specifically implies a positive outcome (good luck). Par hasard is neutral. For example, if you say 'I met him par hasard,' it's a neutral statement of fact. If you say 'I met him par chance,' it implies you are happy that you met him. Conversely, if something bad happens accidentally, you would use par hasard or par accident, but never par chance. Using par chance for a negative event can sound sarcastic or simply incorrect.

Incorrect: J'ai perdu mes clés par chance. (Unless you wanted to lose them! Use par hasard instead.)

Grammatically, learners sometimes try to pluralize the expression or add articles where they don't belong. The phrase is fixed as par hasard. You cannot say 'par les hasards' in the same context, though 'les hasards de la vie' is a separate noun phrase. Another subtle error is the placement of the phrase. While it is flexible, placing it between the subject and the verb (e.g., 'Je par hasard suis venu') is incorrect. It should follow the verb or the entire clause. Learners also sometimes confuse par hasard with peut-être (maybe). While they can both express uncertainty, par hasard specifically denotes the accidental nature of the possibility.

There is also the 'par hasard' vs 'par accident' distinction. English speakers often over-use 'par accident' because it sounds like the English 'by accident.' In French, par accident is often used for physical collisions or mishaps. If you find a solution to a problem, it’s usually par hasard, not par accident, because the latter implies a mistake was made. Par hasard is much more common for 'it just so happened.' Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native and avoid the 'clunky' phrasing that comes from direct translation from English.

Attention : 'C'est un hasard' is a neutral observation. 'C'est hasardeux' means 'It's risky/uncertain'. Don't mix them up!

Pronunciation Pitfall
The 'h' in 'hasard' is an 'h aspiré'. This means you do NOT make a liaison with the word before it. It's 'le hasard' (not l'hasard) and 'un hasard' (pronounced with a slight break, not 'un-nasard').

Finally, remember that par hasard is an adverbial phrase, not an adjective. You cannot say 'un événement par hasard.' You would say 'un événement fortuit' or 'un événement dû au hasard.' Keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the 'au hasard' vs 'par hasard' and the 'hazard/danger' false friend—will significantly improve your accuracy and fluency. Practice using the phrase in its most natural habitat: at the end of a sentence or as a polite tag in a question, and you'll avoid 90% of the common errors associated with this versatile expression.

Incorrect: J'ai choisi par hasard un numéro. (Use au hasard for random selection.)

While par hasard is the most common way to express that something happened by chance, French offers a rich variety of synonyms and alternatives, each with its own specific register and nuance. Depending on whether you are writing a formal essay, telling a joke, or explaining a scientific phenomenon, you might choose a different word to express randomness. Understanding these alternatives will help you expand your B1 vocabulary and sound more precise. The most formal equivalent is fortuitement, which is often found in literature or legal documents to describe an unforeseen event.

Fortuitement
Formal/Literary. Means 'fortuitously' or 'by chance'. Example: 'Ils se sont rencontrés fortuitement lors d'un congrès.'
Par mégarde
Means 'by mistake' or 'inadvertently'. Use this when the 'chance' event was actually a small human error. Example: 'J'ai effacé le fichier par mégarde.'

Another important alternative is accidentellement. While similar to 'accidentally,' it is often used for more significant or technical mishaps than par hasard. If a chemical reaction happens unexpectedly, it might be accidentel. If you drop your phone, it's par accident. For a more colloquial or 'slangy' feel, you might hear people use au pif or au petit bonheur la chance. 'Au pif' (literally 'by the nose') is used when you do something by guesswork or at random. 'Au petit bonheur la chance' is a charming idiomatic expression meaning 'hit or miss' or 'hoping for the best.'

J'ai trouvé la solution par pur hasard, sans vraiment chercher.

If you want to emphasize the lack of intention, you can use involontairement (unintentionally) or sans le vouloir (without wanting to). These are great when you want to clarify that you didn't mean for something to happen. For example, 'Je l'ai blessé involontairement.' On the other hand, if you want to talk about luck specifically, you have par chance or par bonheur. These are the positive counterparts to par hasard. Use them when the coincidence was beneficial. 'Par chance, j'avais mon parapluie' (Luckily, I had my umbrella).

In a conversational setting, you might use à l'improviste to mean 'unexpectedly' or 'out of the blue.' This is specifically used for people showing up without warning. 'Il est arrivé à l'improviste.' While not a direct synonym for 'by chance,' it captures the same spirit of the unplanned. Another phrase is de fil en aiguille, which means 'one thing leading to another.' This is used when a series of small chance events lead to a bigger outcome. 'De fil en aiguille, nous sommes devenus amis.'

On s'est retrouvés là un peu par hasard, après avoir raté notre train.

Table of Alternatives
  • Par mégarde: Small human error (spilling water).
  • Fortuitement: Formal, elegant chance encounter.
  • Au hasard: Random selection (picking a card).
  • Par chance: Positive chance (winning).
  • Involontairement: Emphasizes lack of will.

In summary, while par hasard is your reliable 'all-purpose' phrase, don't be afraid to reach for these alternatives to add color and precision to your French. Whether you are describing a 'fortuitous' meeting in a cover letter or telling a friend you deleted an email 'par mégarde,' having these options at your fingertips will make your French sound more sophisticated and natural. The key is to match the word to the situation: use par hasard for general coincidences, au hasard for random choices, and par chance for happy accidents.

C'est arrivé totalement par hasard, je ne m'y attendais pas du tout.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

Because 'hasard' comes from Arabic, the 'h' is 'aspiré'. This means that even though you don't pronounce the 'h', it blocks the liaison. You say 'le hasard' and never 'l'hasard'.

発音ガイド

UK /paʁ a.zaʁ/
US /pɑːr ɑː.zɑːr/
The stress is even, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable 'sard'.
韻が合う語
bazar gauloisard campagnard montagnard revanchard vantard retard buvard
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the 'h' at the beginning of hasard.
  • Making a liaison (e.g., saying 'par-z-hasard').
  • Pronouncing the final 'd' in hasard.
  • Using an English 'z' sound that is too buzzy.
  • Pronouncing the 's' as an 's' instead of a 'z' (it's between two vowels).

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, though literary uses can be conceptual.

ライティング 3/5

Requires knowledge of correct placement and the 'si par hasard' structure.

スピーキング 3/5

Pronunciation of the 'h aspiré' is the main challenge.

リスニング 2/5

Commonly heard and usually clear in context.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

hasard chance si trouver rencontrer

次に学ぶ

au hasard fortuitement par mégarde sérendipité hasardeux

上級

la contingence la causalité le sort la destinée l'aléatoire

知っておくべき文法

The 'H Aspiré'

On dit 'le hasard' et non 'l'hasard'. Il n'y a pas de liaison.

Conditional for Politeness

Utiliser le conditionnel avec 'par hasard' : 'Auriez-vous... par hasard ?'

Si + Present/Imperfect

Si par hasard il vient (présent) / Si par hasard il venait (imparfait).

Adverbial Placement

Placer 'par hasard' après le verbe ou en fin de phrase.

Negation with 'que'

Ce n'est pas par hasard que + indicatif.

レベル別の例文

1

Je suis ici par hasard.

I am here by chance.

'Par hasard' is at the end of the sentence.

2

J'ai trouvé ce livre par hasard.

I found this book by chance.

Past tense 'ai trouvé' followed by the phrase.

3

Il est là par hasard ?

Is he there by chance?

Simple question using intonation.

4

Nous marchons par hasard.

We are walking by chance (without a goal).

Present tense 'marchons'.

5

C'est arrivé par hasard.

It happened by chance.

'C'est arrivé' is a common phrase for 'it happened'.

6

Tu as mon sac par hasard ?

Do you have my bag by any chance?

Using 'par hasard' to be polite.

7

Elle a vu Pierre par hasard.

She saw Pierre by chance.

Direct object 'Pierre' before the phrase.

8

C'est un petit hasard.

It's a little coincidence.

Using 'hasard' as a noun with an adjective.

1

Vous n'auriez pas un stylo par hasard ?

You wouldn't happen to have a pen by any chance?

Conditional 'auriez' used for politeness.

2

Je l'ai rencontré par hasard au supermarché.

I met him by chance at the supermarket.

Placement before the location.

3

Si par hasard il pleut, on reste.

If by any chance it rains, we stay.

Starting a conditional 'if' clause.

4

Ce n'est pas par hasard s'il est fatigué.

It's not by chance that he is tired.

Negative 'ce n'est pas' to imply a reason.

5

J'ai entendu cette chanson par hasard.

I heard this song by chance.

Describing an accidental discovery.

6

Comme par hasard, il a oublié ses clés.

As if by chance, he forgot his keys.

Ironical use of 'Comme par hasard'.

7

Est-ce que vous cherchez quelqu'un par hasard ?

Are you looking for someone by any chance?

Polite inquiry in a professional setting.

8

C'est un pur hasard si nous sommes voisins.

It's pure chance that we are neighbors.

'Pur hasard' emphasizes the coincidence.

1

Si par hasard vous changiez d'avis, contactez-moi.

If by any chance you were to change your mind, contact me.

'Si' + imperfect 'changiez' for a hypothetical.

2

Il a découvert ce secret totalement par hasard.

He discovered this secret totally by chance.

Adverb 'totalement' modifying the phrase.

3

Auriez-vous, par hasard, le numéro de téléphone du docteur ?

Would you happen to have, by any chance, the doctor's phone number?

Parenthetical placement with commas.

4

Ce n'est pas par hasard que nous avons choisi ce lieu.

It is not by chance that we chose this place.

Using 'que' to introduce the explanation.

5

J'ai trouvé cet appartement un peu par hasard sur Internet.

I found this apartment somewhat by chance on the Internet.

'Un peu' softens the phrase.

6

Comme par hasard, le bus est en retard le jour de mon entretien.

Of course, the bus is late on the day of my interview.

Sarcastic 'Comme par hasard'.

7

Si par hasard vous aviez besoin d'un coup de main, je suis là.

If by any chance you needed a hand, I'm here.

Idiom 'coup de main' combined with the phrase.

8

On s'est perdus et on a trouvé ce village par hasard.

We got lost and found this village by chance.

Narrative use in the 'passé composé'.

1

La science progresse souvent par hasard, grâce à la sérendipité.

Science often progresses by chance, thanks to serendipity.

Abstract and professional context.

2

Est-ce par hasard ou par nécessité que cet événement s'est produit ?

Is it by chance or by necessity that this event occurred?

Comparative structure in a formal question.

3

Il ne faut rien laisser au hasard, même si tout arrive par hasard.

Nothing should be left to chance, even if everything happens by chance.

Contrast between 'au hasard' and 'par hasard'.

4

Si par hasard le projet devait échouer, nous avons un plan B.

If by any chance the project were to fail, we have a plan B.

Formal business hypothetical.

5

C'est par le plus grand des hasards qu'elle a retrouvé son alliance.

It's by the greatest of chances that she found her wedding ring.

Superlative 'le plus grand des hasards'.

6

Par hasard, seriez-vous disponible pour une interview demain ?

By any chance, would you be available for an interview tomorrow?

Starting the sentence for emphasis.

7

L'évolution des espèces repose en partie sur des mutations par hasard.

The evolution of species relies partly on chance mutations.

Scientific register.

8

On ne peut pas dire que son succès soit arrivé par hasard.

One cannot say that his success happened by chance.

Subjunctive 'soit' after 'On ne peut pas dire que'.

1

Il serait erroné de croire que cette découverte est le fruit du pur hasard.

It would be wrong to believe that this discovery is the result of pure chance.

Formal academic tone using 'le fruit du'.

2

Si par hasard une erreur s'était glissée dans le rapport, merci de me le signaler.

If by any chance an error had slipped into the report, please let me know.

Past conditional 's'était glissée' for ultimate politeness.

3

Le poète cherche à abolir le hasard par la rigueur de sa rime.

The poet seeks to abolish chance through the rigor of his rhyme.

Literary analysis context.

4

Par le hasard des circonstances, il s'est retrouvé à la tête de l'entreprise.

By the chance of circumstances, he found himself at the head of the company.

Complex noun phrase 'le hasard des circonstances'.

5

L'enquête a révélé que les deux crimes n'étaient pas liés par hasard.

The investigation revealed that the two crimes were not linked by chance.

Passive voice 'étaient liés'.

6

N'y aurait-il pas, par hasard, une contradiction dans vos propos ?

Wouldn't there be, by any chance, a contradiction in your words?

Inverted question with the conditional.

7

Il s'agit d'une rencontre fortuite, dictée par les hasards de la vie urbaine.

It is a fortuitous encounter, dictated by the chances of urban life.

High-level vocabulary like 'fortuite' and 'dictée'.

8

Rien n'arrive par hasard dans l'univers de ce romancier.

Nothing happens by chance in the universe of this novelist.

Total negation 'Rien... ne'.

1

L'existence humaine, est-elle une contingence née du hasard ou un destin tracé ?

Is human existence a contingency born of chance or a mapped-out destiny?

Philosophical inquiry using 'contingence'.

2

Si par hasard l'histoire venait à se répéter, serions-nous mieux préparés ?

If by any chance history were to repeat itself, would we be better prepared?

The structure 'venir à' + infinitive for eventualities.

3

Il a fallu un concours de circonstances et un hasard inouï pour en arriver là.

It took a combination of circumstances and incredible chance to get here.

Using 'inouï' (unheard of/incredible) to modify the noun.

4

Le hasard ne favorise que les esprits préparés, disait Louis Pasteur.

Chance favors only the prepared minds, said Louis Pasteur.

Famous quote using 'hasard' as a subject.

5

Par un hasard malicieux, il a croisé son ex-femme le jour de son remariage.

By a mischievous stroke of luck, he ran into his ex-wife on his wedding day.

Personification of 'hasard' with the adjective 'malicieux'.

6

On ne saurait imputer au seul hasard la déroute de cette armée.

One cannot attribute the defeat of this army to chance alone.

Formal 'on ne saurait' + infinitive.

7

L'œuvre d'art naît parfois d'un dialogue entre l'intention et le hasard.

The work of art is sometimes born from a dialogue between intention and chance.

Abstract aesthetic discussion.

8

Si d'aventure ou par hasard vous passiez par là, faites-moi signe.

If by adventure or by chance you were to pass by there, let me know.

Using 'd'aventure' as a literary synonym.

よく使う組み合わせ

pur hasard
totalement par hasard
un peu par hasard
comme par hasard
si par hasard
pas par hasard
le fruit du hasard
laisser au hasard
hasard de la vie
hasard malheureux

よく使うフレーズ

Est-ce que par hasard... ?

— A polite way to start a question, equivalent to 'Do you happen to... ?'

Est-ce que par hasard vous auriez du feu ?

C'est un hasard.

— Used to dismiss something as a coincidence.

Ne t'inquiète pas, c'est juste un hasard.

Le hasard fait bien les choses.

— A proverb meaning 'Chance works in mysterious (and good) ways.'

On s'est revus après dix ans, le hasard fait bien les choses.

Rien n'est laissé au hasard.

— Everything is planned perfectly.

Pour ce mariage, rien n'est laissé au hasard.

Par le plus grand des hasards.

— By a huge coincidence.

Je l'ai croisé par le plus grand des hasards à Tokyo.

S'en remettre au hasard.

— To leave things to chance or fate.

Je n'ai pas de plan, je m'en remets au hasard.

Un hasard extraordinaire.

— An amazing coincidence.

C'est un hasard extraordinaire de vous voir ici !

Jouer avec le hasard.

— To take risks or gamble.

En investissant tout ton argent, tu joues avec le hasard.

Par un curieux hasard.

— By a strange coincidence.

Par un curieux hasard, nous avons le même nom.

L'effet du hasard.

— The result of randomness.

Cette ressemblance est simplement l'effet du hasard.

よく混同される語

par hasard vs au hasard

Means 'at random' (intentional selection without logic). 'Par hasard' is unintentional.

par hasard vs par chance

Specifically implies a positive outcome. 'Par hasard' is neutral.

par hasard vs par accident

Usually implies a physical mishap or a mistake. 'Par hasard' is broader.

慣用句と表現

"Comme par hasard"

— Used ironically to suggest that something is too convenient to be a coincidence.

Comme par hasard, son ordinateur est tombé en panne juste avant de rendre son travail.

informal/sarcastic
"Le hasard fait bien les choses"

— Said when a chance event leads to a surprisingly good outcome.

J'ai raté mon train mais j'ai rencontré l'amour de ma vie sur le quai; le hasard fait bien les choses.

neutral
"Remettre au hasard"

— To stop trying to control a situation and let fate decide.

Je ne sais pas quoi choisir, je vais m'en remettre au hasard.

neutral
"Un coup de hasard"

— A stroke of luck or a sudden chance event.

C'est sur un coup de hasard qu'il a gagné le gros lot.

neutral
"Au petit bonheur la chance"

— To do something randomly, hoping for the best without a plan.

Nous sommes partis en vacances au petit bonheur la chance, sans réserver d'hôtel.

informal
"Le hasard n'existe pas"

— A philosophical saying suggesting that everything has a reason.

Certains pensent que le hasard n'existe pas et que tout est écrit.

philosophical
"Laisser une part au hasard"

— To not plan every single detail to allow for spontaneity.

Dans mes voyages, j'aime toujours laisser une part au hasard.

neutral
"Les hasards du métier"

— The unpredictable things that happen as part of a job.

Se faire insulter par un client, ce sont les hasards du métier.

neutral
"Un pur hasard"

— Absolutely no planning or connection involved.

Que nous soyons nés le même jour est un pur hasard.

neutral
"Par le hasard des choses"

— Because of how things turned out naturally.

Par le hasard des choses, nous avons fini par travailler ensemble.

literary

間違えやすい

par hasard vs Hazard (English)

It's a false friend.

English 'hazard' means danger or risk. French 'hasard' means chance or randomness. To say 'danger' in French, use 'danger'. To say 'risk', use 'risque'.

This is a fire hazard (EN) vs C'est un risque d'incendie (FR).

par hasard vs Hasardeux

It's the adjective form of 'hasard'.

While 'hasard' is neutral, 'hasardeux' almost always means risky or uncertain, closer to the English 'hazardous'.

C'est un projet hasardeux (It's a risky project).

par hasard vs Chance

Both deal with unplanned events.

'Chance' in French is usually positive (good luck). 'Hasard' is the mechanism of randomness, neutral in nature.

J'ai de la chance (I am lucky) vs C'est un hasard (It's a coincidence).

par hasard vs Sort

Both can mean fate.

'Le sort' often implies a more mystical or predestined fate, whereas 'le hasard' is more about scientific randomness.

Le sort en est jeté (The die is cast/Fate is decided).

par hasard vs Aléatoire

Both mean random.

'Aléatoire' is an adjective used for technical, mathematical, or formal contexts.

Un nombre aléatoire (A random number).

文型パターン

A1

Sujet + Verbe + Objet + par hasard.

Je l'ai vu par hasard.

A2

Est-ce que + Sujet + Verbe + ..., par hasard ?

Est-ce que vous avez du sel, par hasard ?

B1

Si par hasard + Sujet + Verbe...

Si par hasard tu l'appelles, dis-lui pour samedi.

B1

Sujet + Ne + Verbe (Conditionnel) + pas + ..., par hasard ?

Tu n'aurais pas mon livre, par hasard ?

B2

Ce n'est pas par hasard que + Sujet + Verbe.

Ce n'est pas par hasard qu'elle a réussi.

C1

Par le hasard de + Nom...

Par le hasard de la météo, le vol a été annulé.

C1

Sujet + Verbe, par hasard, + Suite.

Il a trouvé, par hasard, une solution géniale.

C2

Nul hasard ne saurait + Verbe...

Nul hasard ne saurait expliquer une telle chance.

語族

名詞

hasard (chance/randomness)
hasardement (rarely used, the act of risking)

動詞

hasarder (to venture/risk)
se hasarder (to venture/dare)

形容詞

hasardeux (risky/uncertain)

関連

chance
fortune
coïncidence
accident
sort

使い方

frequency

Extremely high. It is the primary way to express chance in French.

よくある間違い
  • Using 'hasard' to mean danger. Ce produit est dangereux.

    In English, 'hazard' is danger. In French, 'hasard' is chance. This is a classic false friend.

  • Making a liaison: 'un-nasard'. Un hasard (with a small break).

    Hasard has an 'h aspiré', so you cannot link the previous consonant to it.

  • Saying 'par hasard' when you mean 'at random'. J'ai choisi un numéro au hasard.

    Use 'au hasard' for choosing without a pattern. Use 'par hasard' for things that happen to you.

  • Using 'par chance' for a bad coincidence. Je l'ai vu par hasard (et c'était horrible).

    'Par chance' implies you are happy about it. For neutral or bad coincidences, use 'par hasard'.

  • Placing 'par hasard' before the verb. Je suis venu par hasard.

    Adverbial phrases like 'par hasard' usually follow the verb or the whole clause.

ヒント

Politeness Hack

Always add 'par hasard' to the end of a request to a stranger. It makes you sound much less demanding and more like a native speaker who understands French social codes.

The No-Liaison Rule

Remember the 'H aspiré'. Never say 'un-nasard'. Treat 'hasard' as if it starts with a consonant that you can't touch with the previous word.

Neutral vs Positive

Use 'par hasard' for the facts and 'par chance' for the feelings. If you're just describing what happened, 'par hasard' is safer.

Sarcasm Detection

If you hear 'Comme par hasard' with a roll of the eyes, the person is being ironic. It's a very common way to complain about 'convenient' coincidences.

Si par hasard

This is a great 'if' construction. It's much softer than a regular 'si' and is perfect for business emails where you don't want to sound too pushy.

Pur Hasard

Add 'pur' before 'hasard' to emphasize that there was absolutely no reason or plan. 'C'est un pur hasard' sounds very dramatic and clear.

Rhythm

French speakers often group 'par' and 'hasard' as one rhythmic unit. Listen for the 'p' and the 'z' sound in the middle (ha-Zard).

Conditional Pairing

Pair 'par hasard' with the conditional mood (e.g., auriez, seriez, sauriez) for the ultimate polite question.

Dice Game

Remember the Arabic origin 'az-zahr' (the dice). Every time you say 'par hasard', imagine you are throwing dice to see what happens.

Hasard vs Accident

Use 'par accident' if something broke or went wrong. Use 'par hasard' if it's just a neutral coincidence. 'Par hasard' is much more common for social meetings.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'Hazard' sign on a road. In English, it's a danger you see. In French, 'par hasard' is a chance encounter you didn't see coming. It's like a 'Hazard' that isn't dangerous, just unexpected.

視覚的連想

Imagine a pair of dice rolling on a French café table. The result of the dice is 'le hasard'. When you meet a friend there, it's 'par hasard'.

Word Web

Hasard Chance Dés (Dice) Accident Rencontre Coïncidence Risque Destin

チャレンジ

Try to use 'par hasard' in three different ways today: once to describe a past event, once to ask a polite question, and once sarcastically (comme par hasard!).

語源

The word 'hasard' entered French in the 12th century. It is derived from the Spanish 'azar', which in turn comes from the Arabic 'az-zahr' (الزهر), meaning 'the die' (singular of dice). This reflects the historical connection between chance and gambling.

元の意味: Originally, it referred specifically to a game of dice or a losing throw in such a game.

Arabic -> Spanish -> Old French -> Modern French.

文化的な背景

No specific sensitivities, but be careful with the sarcastic 'comme par hasard' as it can sound quite aggressive if used with the wrong tone.

English speakers often use 'by any chance' or 'accidentally'. 'Par hasard' covers both of these, making it a very high-utility phrase for learners.

Un coup de dés jamais n'abolira le hasard (Stéphane Mallarmé) Le hasard ne favorise que les esprits préparés (Louis Pasteur) Le Hasard et la Nécessité (Jacques Monod)

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Meeting someone

  • Je suis tombé sur lui par hasard.
  • On s'est croisés par hasard.
  • Quelle coïncidence de te voir par hasard !
  • C'est un pur hasard de nous retrouver ici.

Finding an object

  • J'ai trouvé ça par hasard.
  • C'est apparu par hasard sous le lit.
  • Je cherchais mes clés et j'ai trouvé ce bijou par hasard.
  • Le livre était ouvert sur cette page par hasard.

Polite requests

  • Vous n'auriez pas l'heure par hasard ?
  • Sauriez-vous où est la poste par hasard ?
  • Tu ne l'aurais pas vu par hasard ?
  • Est-ce que par hasard vous seriez disponible ?

Scientific/Academic

  • La découverte fut faite par hasard.
  • Ce n'est pas par hasard que les données concordent.
  • Le hasard a joué un rôle crucial.
  • L'expérience a réussi par hasard.

Sarcastic reaction

  • Comme par hasard !
  • C'est un drôle de hasard, n'est-ce pas ?
  • Encore un hasard, j'imagine ?
  • Le hasard a bon dos !

会話のきっかけ

"Est-ce que tu as déjà rencontré quelqu'un de célèbre par hasard ?"

"Quelle est la chose la plus cool que tu as trouvée par hasard ?"

"Est-ce que tu crois que tout arrive par hasard dans la vie ?"

"T'est-il déjà arrivé de te tromper de train par hasard ?"

"Est-ce que tu as déjà découvert un super restaurant par hasard ?"

日記のテーマ

Raconte une fois où tu as rencontré un ami par hasard dans un endroit inattendu.

Est-ce que tu préfères tout planifier ou laisser une part au hasard dans tes voyages ? Pourquoi ?

Décris un objet que tu possèdes et que tu as obtenu totalement par hasard.

Penses-tu que le succès est dû au travail ou un peu au hasard ?

Écris sur une petite coïncidence qui t'est arrivée récemment.

よくある質問

10 問

Not exactly. While it can imply uncertainty in questions (like 'by any chance'), its primary meaning is that something happened without a plan. If you want to say 'maybe', use 'peut-être'. However, in a question like 'Vous avez du pain par hasard ?', it functions similarly to 'Maybe you have some bread?' by being polite.

No, the 'H' is never pronounced in French. However, 'hasard' has an 'H aspiré'. This means you cannot make a liaison with the word before it. You must say 'par / hasard' with a tiny break, and you say 'le hasard' (not l'hasard).

'Par hasard' means 'by chance' (it happened to you without you planning it). 'Au hasard' means 'at random' (you chose to do something without a specific pattern). For example, 'I found this book par hasard' (it was just there) vs 'I chose a book au hasard' (I picked one without looking).

Yes, 'par hasard' is neutral. You can find money 'par hasard' (good) or lose your wallet 'par hasard' (bad). If you want to emphasize that it's lucky, use 'par chance'. If you want to say it's unlucky, use 'par malheur'.

It is neutral and can be used in almost any context. It is common in casual speech, but also perfectly acceptable in formal writing, news reports, and scientific papers to describe coincidental events.

The best way is to use 'par hasard' at the end of your question, often combined with the conditional mood for extra politeness. Example: 'Auriez-vous une minute par hasard ?' (Would you have a minute by any chance?).

In French, 'Comme par hasard' literally means 'As if by chance'. When something happens that seems too perfect or suspicious (like a car breaking down exactly when you need to go somewhere you don't like), people say it to imply it's not a coincidence at all.

No. This is a very common mistake for English speakers. 'Hasard' only means chance or randomness. For 'danger' or 'hazard', you should use the French word 'danger'.

It usually goes at the end of the sentence or immediately after the verb. Example: 'Je suis venu par hasard' or 'J'ai vu, par hasard, cette annonce.' In 'if' clauses, it starts the phrase: 'Si par hasard...'

The most common opposite is 'exprès' (on purpose). Other opposites include 'volontairement' (voluntarily) or 'délibérément' (deliberately).

自分をテスト 180 問

writing

Write a simple sentence saying you found a cat by chance.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Ask a stranger if they have a pen by any chance.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'Si par hasard' and the imperfect tense.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Explain that your meeting with a friend was not planned.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use 'Comme par hasard' in a sarcastic sentence about a bus being late.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Say 'I am in Paris by chance.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Ask: 'Do you know where the station is, by any chance?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write: 'He didn't do it on purpose, it was by chance.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use 'pur hasard' to describe winning a game.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'hasards de la vie'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Say 'He saw a movie by chance.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Ask politely: 'Would you have the time, by any chance?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'If by any chance you see her, tell her hello.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write: 'It is not by chance that he is the boss.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use 'fortuitement' in a formal sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Say 'They are here by chance.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Ask: 'You wouldn't have a tissue, by any chance?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write: 'I heard this news by chance.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'Everything was left to chance.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write about a scientific discovery made by chance.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I found a pen by chance' in French.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Ask a friend if they have a map by any chance.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Tell a story about meeting a teacher at the supermarket by chance.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Explain why you don't like to leave things to chance.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss the role of chance in your career path.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'It happened by chance.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask: 'Would you have a cigarette, by any chance?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say sarcastically: 'Of course, he's sick today!'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'I found this apartment totally by chance.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Use the phrase 'hasards de la vie' in a sentence about friendship.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'She is here by chance.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Ask: 'Do you know the time by any chance?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'If by any chance you go to Paris, call me.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'It's not by chance that they won the game.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss a lucky coincidence in your life.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Je l'ai vu par hasard.' What did the person do?

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Listen: 'Vous n'auriez pas un euro par hasard ?' Is the person asking for money?

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Listen: 'Comme par hasard, il pleut.' What is the speaker's tone?

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Listen: 'C'est un pur hasard si nous sommes là.' How strong is the coincidence?

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listening

Listen: 'Le hasard ne favorise que les esprits préparés.' Who said this?

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listening

Listen: 'C'est arrivé par hasard.' Did they plan it?

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listening

Listen: 'Si par hasard vous avez faim...' What is the speaker offering?

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listening

Listen: 'Je suis tombé sur lui par hasard.' Did they hit him or meet him?

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Listen: 'Ne laissons rien au hasard.' Is the speaker organized?

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Listen: 'Par le hasard des rencontres, il a trouvé sa vocation.' How did he find his job?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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