B2 Expression 1 min read

بر حسب اتفاق

bar hasbe ettefagh

By chance, by accident

Meaning

Happening accidentally or unexpectedly, without prior planning.

Practice Bank

3 exercises
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The meeting happened _______, leading to an impromptu decision.

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She found the old photograph _______ while cleaning the attic.

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Their paths crossed _______ at the bookstore, a pleasant surprise.

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The phrase 'بر حسب اتفاق' is composed of several elements. 'بر' (bar) is a preposition meaning 'on' or 'according to'. 'حسب' (hasb) is an Arabic loanword meaning 'according to' or 'by virtue of'. 'اتفاق' (ettefāq) is an Arabic loanword meaning 'agreement', 'accord', or 'coincidence'. In this context, 'اتفاق' refers to a 'coincidence' or 'accident'. Therefore, 'بر حسب اتفاق' literally translates to 'according to coincidence' or 'by virtue of coincidence', which conveys the meaning of something happening by chance or accidentally. The phrase has been in common use in Persian for centuries, with its components tracing their roots back to classical Arabic and Old Persian.

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