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A2 noun #4,500 most common 14 min read

hasard

Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips hasard in 30 Seconds

Explanation hasard in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most common phrase: 'par hasard'. This means 'by chance'. You can use it to talk about meeting a friend or finding something you lost. It is a simple way to add more detail to your sentences. Remember that 'hasard' is a masculine noun, so we say 'le hasard'. You don't need to worry about the complex meanings yet. Just think of it as a way to say 'oops, it just happened'. It is very useful for basic conversations where you want to explain that you didn't plan something. For example, 'Je suis ici par hasard'. This level is about recognizing the word and using it in its most basic prepositional form. You should also learn the exclamation 'Quel hasard !' which is very common when you see someone you know in an unexpected place. This will make you sound more natural even with a limited vocabulary. Don't worry about the 'h aspiré' rules too much yet, but try to notice that we say 'le hasard' and not 'l'hasard'. This is a small step toward sounding like a native speaker. Focus on the 'random' aspect and avoid the English meaning of 'danger'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'au hasard' as well as 'par hasard'. 'Au hasard' means 'at random'. You use this when you make a choice without thinking, like picking a color or a number. For example, 'J'ai choisi un livre au hasard'. This level is about distinguishing between things that happen to you (par hasard) and things you do randomly (au hasard). You should also be able to use 'le hasard' as a subject in simple sentences like 'Le hasard est curieux'. You are starting to understand that this word is a 'false friend' and does not mean danger. You can use it to describe coincidences in your daily life. You should also be aware of the phrase 'laisser au hasard', meaning 'to leave to chance'. For example, 'Ne laissez pas votre valise au hasard' (though 'sans surveillance' is better for 'unattended', 'au hasard' here would mean leaving its fate to chance). You are building the foundation for more complex expressions. Try to use it in your writing and speaking to describe unplanned meetings or random choices. This will help you move beyond very basic descriptions and add a sense of spontaneity to your French.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the different nuances of 'hasard'. You can use it in more complex structures like 'C'est le fruit du hasard' (It is the result of chance). You understand that it is a neutral word and can be modified by adjectives like 'heureux' or 'malheureux'. You can use it to tell stories about coincidences or unexpected turns of events. You are also more aware of the 'h aspiré' and you make sure not to make liaisons. You can use 'hasard' in professional or academic contexts to talk about randomness. For example, 'Les résultats sont dus au hasard'. You should also know the phrase 'par le plus grand des hasards' to emphasize a very unlikely coincidence. This level requires you to distinguish clearly between 'hasard' and 'chance' (luck). You know that 'par chance' means 'luckily', while 'par hasard' means 'by chance'. You can also use the word in the context of games, such as 'jeux de hasard'. Your ability to use this word correctly in various situations shows that you are moving toward an intermediate level of fluency. You are starting to see how 'hasard' is used to soften requests, like 'Auriez-vous un stylo, par hasard ?'. This adds a layer of politeness and cultural awareness to your speech.

At the B2 level, you can use 'hasard' with precision and stylistic flair. You understand its role in philosophical and scientific discussions. You can use phrases like 'ne rien laisser au hasard' to describe a meticulous approach to a task. You are aware of the literary and cinematic uses of the word as a plot device. You can discuss the concept of randomness in a more abstract way. For example, you might talk about 'la part de hasard' in a successful career. You are also familiar with the adjective 'hasardeux', which means 'risky' or 'uncertain', but you know it is used less frequently than the noun. You can use 'hasard' to construct complex arguments about fate versus free will. Your pronunciation is correct, including the 'h aspiré'. You can also use the word in formal writing, such as essays or reports, to describe statistical randomness or unforeseen variables. You understand the historical and cultural weight of the word, including its Arabic origins. You can use it to express irony or skepticism, such as 'Comme par hasard !' (As if by chance! / How convenient!). This shows you have a deep understanding of French social cues and idiomatic usage.

At the C1 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'hasard'. You can use it in all its shades of meaning, from the most mundane to the most metaphysical. You are familiar with famous literary quotes involving the word, such as Mallarmé's 'Un coup de dés jamais n'abolira le hasard'. You can participate in high-level debates about the role of chance in history, science, and art. You use 'hasard' with a wide range of sophisticated collocations and idiomatic expressions. Your use of the word is natural and effortless, reflecting a deep immersion in the French language. You can distinguish between 'hasard', 'conjoncture', 'aléas', and 'fortune' with ease. You can write long, nuanced texts where 'hasard' is used to explore complex themes. You are also aware of the word's usage in different registers, from slang to highly formal academic French. You can use it to create subtle effects in your speech, such as using 'par hasard' to introduce a provocative question or a tentative suggestion. Your mastery of this word is a testament to your advanced linguistic skills and your deep understanding of French culture and thought.

At the C2 level, your understanding of 'hasard' is complete and profound. You can use it with the same nuance and precision as a highly educated native speaker. You are aware of the most obscure and specialized uses of the word in fields like quantum physics, advanced mathematics, and philosophy. You can analyze the use of 'hasard' in the works of great French writers and thinkers. You can use the word to construct intricate and persuasive arguments, using it to explore the boundaries of human knowledge and control. You are a master of the word's phonetics, semantics, and syntax. You can switch between different registers and contexts with perfect ease, always choosing the most appropriate term. You might use 'hasard' to discuss the 'stochasticity' of a system or the 'providential' nature of an event. Your use of the word is not just correct; it is eloquent and insightful. You have a deep appreciation for the word's history and its role in shaping the French worldview. At this level, 'hasard' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for sophisticated intellectual expression and a key to understanding the French soul.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

hasard in 30 Seconds

Hasard means chance or coincidence in French.
It is a masculine noun and a 'false friend' to English 'hazard'.
Commonly used in 'par hasard' (by chance) and 'au hasard' (at random).
It refers to randomness in life, games, and science.

The French word hasard is a fascinating linguistic journey that often trips up English speakers because of its deceptive appearance. At its core, it refers to the concept of chance, luck, or coincidence. Unlike its English lookalike, which implies danger or risk, the French hasard is neutral or even positive, focusing on the unpredictability of events. When you use this word, you are describing the way the universe aligns without human intervention or premeditated planning. It is the invisible hand that brings two old friends together on a busy street corner in a city neither of them lives in.

The Core Concept: Hasard represents the lack of a visible cause or the presence of an unforeseen circumstance that determines an outcome. It is the essence of randomness in everyday life.

In a cultural context, the French have a complex relationship with le hasard. From the philosophical musings of Blaise Pascal to the modern obsession with the national lottery, the word permeates various layers of society. It is used to explain away minor inconveniences and to celebrate major strokes of fortune. It is the word you reach for when logic fails to explain why something happened. It is important to note that while it can mean 'luck,' it is more about the 'randomness' of the luck rather than the 'quality' of the luck itself, which is often handled by the word chance.

C'est par le plus grand des hasards que nous nous sommes rencontrés hier soir au restaurant.

The word's versatility allows it to function in scientific, casual, and literary domains. In mathematics, le hasard is studied through probability. In literature, it is a plot device used to move stories forward. In the street, it is a common exclamation: 'Quel hasard !' (What a coincidence!). Understanding this word requires moving away from the English 'hazard' and embracing the French 'randomness'. It is about the dice roll of life. In fact, the etymology of the word traces back to the Arabic word for dice, which perfectly encapsulates its meaning of a random toss determining a result.

Social Usage: French speakers use 'hasard' to deflect responsibility or to emphasize the magical nature of a moment. It softens the blow of an unexpected event by attributing it to the universe rather than personal failure or success.

Ne laissez rien au hasard lors de la préparation de votre examen final.

Finally, we must distinguish hasard from chance. While they can sometimes be interchangeable, chance usually implies a positive outcome (good luck), whereas hasard is strictly the mechanism of randomness. You can have a 'mauvais hasard' (bad luck/unfortunate coincidence), but the word itself remains neutral. It is the canvas upon which the colors of luck are painted. When you master this word, you master the French way of describing the unpredictable beauty of existence.

Le hasard fait bien les choses, comme on dit souvent en France pour exprimer notre satisfaction.

Grammar Tip: The 'h' in 'hasard' is an 'h aspiré'. This means you do not make a liaison with the word before it. It is 'le hasard' [lə azar], not 'l'hasard'. This is a common mistake for beginners who are used to 'l'homme' or 'l'hôtel'.

Il a choisi un numéro au hasard et il a gagné le gros lot.

Les lois du hasard sont parfois difficiles à comprendre pour le commun des mortels.

Using hasard correctly in a sentence involves understanding its common prepositional partners. The most frequent way you will encounter this word is in the phrase par hasard, which translates to 'by chance' or 'accidentally'. This is used to describe actions that weren't planned. For example, if you see a neighbor at the supermarket, you saw them par hasard. It adds a layer of spontaneity to your descriptions of daily life. Another essential phrase is au hasard, meaning 'at random'. This is used when you are making a choice without a specific pattern or reason, like picking a card from a deck.

Common Prepositions: 'Par hasard' (by chance) and 'Au hasard' (at random) are the two pillars of using this noun in everyday French conversation.

When constructing sentences, remember that hasard can also be the subject of a sentence. 'Le hasard a voulu que...' is a very French way of saying 'As luck would have it...' or 'Fate decided that...'. It personifies chance, giving it agency over the events of the narrative. This is particularly common in storytelling or when recounting personal anecdotes. It sounds more sophisticated than simply saying 'Suddenly, this happened'. By using le hasard as a subject, you are acknowledging the mysterious forces at play in the world.

Si par hasard vous trouvez mes clés, merci de me prévenir immédiatement.

You can also use hasard with verbs like laisser (to leave). 'Ne rien laisser au hasard' means 'to leave nothing to chance'. This is a common idiom in professional or athletic contexts, where preparation is key. It implies a high level of meticulousness and detail-oriented planning. Conversely, 's'en remettre au hasard' means 'to leave it to chance' or 'to trust in luck'. This shows a more relaxed, perhaps even reckless, attitude toward an outcome. These two opposing phrases cover the spectrum of human control versus external randomness.

Verbal Pairings: 'Laisser au hasard' (to leave to chance) and 'Devoir au hasard' (to owe to chance) are frequent combinations in both formal and informal writing.

Il a ouvert le dictionnaire au hasard pour trouver un nouveau mot à apprendre.

In more advanced usage, you might see hasard modified by adjectives like pur (pure), heureux (happy/fortunate), or malheureux (unfortunate). 'C'est un pur hasard' emphasizes that there was absolutely no planning involved. 'Un heureux hasard' is a stroke of good luck, often used when something positive happens unexpectedly. These modifiers help clarify the nature of the randomness you are describing, making your French sound more natural and nuanced.

Nous nous sommes retrouvés là par un heureux hasard de calendrier.

Negative Constructions: Using 'pas par hasard' (not by chance) is a powerful way to suggest that something was intentional or part of a hidden plan. 'Ce n'est pas par hasard qu'il est venu' implies he had a motive.

Le détective pensait que ce crime n'était pas le fruit du hasard.

Elle a jeté ses vêtements dans sa valise au hasard avant de partir.

In the real world, hasard is everywhere, from the glittering lights of a casino to the quiet aisles of a library. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the context of jeux de hasard (games of chance). This refers to gambling, lotteries, and any game where the outcome is determined by luck rather than skill. If you are in France and see a sign for 'Le Loto', you are looking at a jeu de hasard. This term is also used in legal and regulatory discussions regarding the gambling industry. It's a formal way to categorize these activities.

In the Casino: The phrase 'jeux de hasard et d'argent' is the standard legal term for gambling in French-speaking countries.

In daily social interactions, hasard is a staple of 'small talk'. When two people meet unexpectedly, the exclamation 'Quel hasard !' is almost reflexive. It serves as a polite way to acknowledge the surprise and start a conversation. You will also hear it in shops when customers ask questions like, 'Est-ce que vous auriez ce modèle en bleu, par hasard ?' (Do you happen to have this model in blue, by any chance?). Here, par hasard acts as a softener, making the request less direct and more polite. It's an essential tool for social lubrication in French culture.

Je suis tombé sur lui par hasard en marchant sur les Grands Boulevards.

In the scientific and philosophical realms, hasard takes on a more serious tone. You will hear it in documentaries about evolution, physics, or mathematics. Scientists discuss 'le hasard et la nécessité' (chance and necessity), a phrase made famous by the biologist Jacques Monod. In these contexts, hasard refers to stochastic processes or random mutations. If you are listening to a lecture at a French university, the word will be used to describe the lack of deterministic predictability in complex systems. It's a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the metaphysical.

Scientific Context: Terms like 'variables aléatoires' (random variables) are deeply linked to the concept of 'hasard' in statistics and probability theory.

L'évolution des espèces est en grande partie dictée par le hasard des mutations génétiques.

In the workplace, hasard is often used when discussing strategy. A manager might say, 'On ne peut pas laisser la réussite de ce projet au hasard' (We can't leave the success of this project to chance). This emphasizes the need for planning and risk management. You might also hear 'un contrôle au hasard' (a random check/audit), which is common in quality control or security settings. In these environments, hasard is often something to be controlled, mitigated, or used as a tool for fairness. It's a word that carries weight in professional decision-making.

La douane effectue souvent des contrôles au hasard à l'aéroport.

Literary References: French literature is full of 'coups de théâtre' driven by 'hasard'. It is a fundamental element of the 'roman' (novel) structure.

Est-ce que vous connaissez cette chanson par hasard ? Elle me dit quelque chose.

Le hasard a fait que nous avons pris le même train ce matin-là.

The most significant pitfall for English speakers when using hasard is the 'false friend' (faux-ami) effect. In English, 'hazard' means danger, risk, or a source of peril (like a 'fire hazard'). In French, hasard does NOT mean danger. If you want to say 'This is a hazard', you should use words like danger, risque, or péril. Using hasard in this context will confuse French speakers, as they will hear 'This is a coincidence' or 'This is chance'. This is a high-frequency mistake that can lead to serious misunderstandings in safety-critical situations.

The False Friend Trap: English 'Hazard' = Danger. French 'Hasard' = Chance/Randomness. Never use 'hasard' to describe something dangerous.

Another common error concerns the pronunciation and the 'h' at the beginning of the word. As mentioned earlier, hasard starts with an 'h aspiré'. Many learners mistakenly try to make a liaison or an elision, saying 'l'hasard' instead of 'le hasard'. This is incorrect. You must treat the 'h' as a barrier. Similarly, in the phrase 'par hasard', there is no liaison between the 'r' of 'par' and the 'h' of 'hasard'. It should be pronounced [paʁ a.zaʁ]. Mastering this small phonetic detail will immediately elevate your French from 'beginner' to 'intermediate'.

Incorrect: C'est l'hasard. Correct: C'est le hasard.

Confusion between hasard and chance is also frequent. While both can relate to luck, chance is almost always positive. If you say 'J'ai eu du hasard', it sounds strange and incomplete. You should say 'J'ai eu de la chance' (I was lucky). Use hasard when you want to emphasize the random nature of the event, not necessarily its benefit. For example, 'C'est un pur hasard' (It's a pure coincidence) is correct, whereas 'C'est une pure chance' would mean 'It is a pure opportunity/stroke of luck'. The nuance is subtle but important for sounding like a native speaker.

Hasard vs. Chance: Use 'chance' for good luck. Use 'hasard' for randomness or coincidence. 'Par hasard' is 'by chance', but 'par chance' is 'luckily'.

Incorrect: J'ai gagné par hasard (unless you mean you won by mistake). Correct: J'ai gagné par chance (Luckily, I won).

Prepositional errors are the final hurdle. Learners often mix up par hasard and au hasard. Remember: par hasard is for things that happen TO you (unplanned events), while au hasard is for choices YOU make (random selection). If you pick a card, you pick it au hasard. If you meet a friend, you meet them par hasard. Swapping these can change the meaning of your sentence entirely. 'Il a choisi par hasard' suggests he had no choice and it just happened, while 'Il a choisi au hasard' suggests he deliberately made a random choice.

Il a tiré un nom au hasard dans le chapeau pour désigner le vainqueur.

Grammar Check: Never say 'un hasardous'. The adjective form is 'hasardeux' (risky/uncertain), but it's much less common than the noun.

Ne confondez pas hasard (chance) et danger (hazard).

C'est le hasard qui a guidé ses pas vers cette petite librairie oubliée.

While hasard is a powerful word, French offers several alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey. The most common synonym is coïncidence. This is used specifically when two events happen at the same time in a way that seems meaningful but isn't planned. 'Quelle coïncidence !' and 'Quel hasard !' are often interchangeable, but coïncidence feels slightly more analytical or formal. Use it when you are highlighting the striking nature of the overlap between two events.

Hasard vs. Coïncidence: 'Hasard' is the general force of randomness. 'Coïncidence' is the specific occurrence of two random events meeting.

Another related word is le sort. This is often translated as 'fate' or 'destiny', but it has a more passive, sometimes grim connotation. While hasard is neutral, le sort often implies that things are preordained or out of one's hands in a more permanent way. You might hear 'le sort en est jeté' (the die is cast), which means a decision has been made and the outcome is now in the hands of fate. It's more dramatic than hasard and is frequently found in literature and historical accounts.

Le sort a décidé qu'ils ne se reverraient jamais plus.

For more technical or mathematical contexts, the word aléatoire is the adjective form of 'random'. While hasard is the noun, aléatoire describes things that are subject to chance. For example, 'un processus aléatoire' (a random process) or 'un choix aléatoire' (a random choice). This word is essential if you are discussing computer science, statistics, or any field where precise language about randomness is required. It comes from the Latin 'alea', meaning 'die', which mirrors the Arabic roots of hasard.

Technical Alternatives: Use 'aléatoire' as an adjective for 'random'. Use 'stochastique' for highly technical scientific contexts.

L'ordinateur a généré un mot de passe de manière aléatoire.

Finally, there is la chance. As discussed, this is the go-to word for 'good luck'. If hasard is the mechanism, chance is the positive result. You will also see fortune, which can mean 'wealth' but also 'fate' or 'luck' (as in 'la roue de la fortune'). These words all orbit the same central concept of the unpredictable, but they allow you to specify whether the unpredictability is a scientific fact, a lucky break, a meaningful coincidence, or an inescapable destiny.

Quelle chance d'avoir trouvé ce billet par terre !

Summary of Alternatives: 'Coïncidence' (Specific overlap), 'Sort' (Fate/Destiny), 'Aléatoire' (Random/Adjective), 'Chance' (Good luck).

La coïncidence était trop frappante pour être ignorée par les enquêteurs.

Il s'est fié à son instinct plutôt qu'au hasard pour prendre sa décision.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Les fluctuations boursières sont soumises aux lois du hasard."

Neutral

"Je l'ai rencontré par hasard à la bibliothèque."

Informal

"Comme par hasard, il a encore oublié ses clés !"

Child friendly

"On va tirer un nom au hasard dans le chapeau."

Slang

"C'est un coup de bol, c'est que du hasard."

Fun Fact

The word traveled through Spanish ('azar') before reaching French. The Arabic root 'zahr' also means 'flower' in some dialects, leading to a poetic association between the beauty of a flower and the randomness of a dice roll.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a.zaʁ/

US /a.zaʁ/

The stress is on the final syllable, as is typical in French.

Rhymes With

bazar gaulois retard buvard canard regard standard homard

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'h'.
Making a liaison (e.g., saying 'l'hasard' instead of 'le hasard').
Pronouncing it like the English word 'hazard'.
Failing to pronounce the final 'r' correctly.
Mistaking the gender and using 'la'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize, but the 'false friend' aspect can cause confusion in context.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of specific prepositions like 'par' and 'au'.

Speaking 3/5

The 'h aspiré' is tricky for learners to remember in flow.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but must be distinguished from 'chance'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

la chance le jeu par le un

Learn Next

aléatoire coïncidence hasardeux le sort le destin

Advanced

stochasticité déterminisme conjoncture providence aléas

Grammar to Know

The 'H' Aspiré

Le hasard (not l'hasard). No liaison in 'par hasard'.

Preposition 'Par' vs 'Au'

Par hasard (accidentally) vs Au hasard (randomly).

Masculine Gender

Un hasard malheureux (adjective agreement).

Inversion in Questions

Est-ce un hasard ?

Subjunctive after 'Le hasard a voulu que'

Le hasard a voulu que nous nous rencontrions (subjunctive mood).

Examples by Level

Je suis ici par hasard.

I am here by chance.

Par hasard is a fixed phrase meaning 'by chance'.

Quel hasard !

What a coincidence!

Quel is an exclamation used with masculine nouns.

C'est un hasard.

It is a coincidence.

Un hasard is masculine.

Je l'ai vu par hasard.

I saw him by chance.

No liaison between par and hasard.

Le hasard est drôle.

Chance is funny.

Le hasard is the subject here.

C'est juste un hasard.

It's just a coincidence.

Juste adds emphasis.

Il est venu par hasard.

He came by chance.

Past tense usage with par hasard.

Est-ce un hasard ?

Is it a coincidence?

Inversion for a question.

Il a choisi un livre au hasard.

He chose a book at random.

Au hasard means 'at random' or 'randomly'.

Ne laissez rien au hasard.

Leave nothing to chance.

Laisser au hasard is a common idiom.

Vous avez l'heure, par hasard ?

Do you have the time, by any chance?

Par hasard is used for politeness.

C'est un heureux hasard.

It's a happy coincidence.

Heureux modifies the masculine noun hasard.

J'ai pris le bus au hasard.

I took the bus at random.

Au hasard describes the manner of the action.

Le hasard a bien fait les choses.

Chance worked out well.

A common idiomatic expression.

On s'est rencontrés par hasard.

We met by chance.

Reflexive verb with par hasard.

Il n'y a pas de hasard.

There is no such thing as coincidence.

Negative construction with de.

C'est le fruit du hasard.

It is the result of chance.

Le fruit de means 'the result of'.

Il a gagné par le plus pur des hasards.

He won by the purest of chances.

Superlative construction for emphasis.

Le hasard du calendrier nous réunit aujourd'hui.

The luck of the calendar brings us together today.

Hasard du calendrier is a common journalistic phrase.

Je suis tombé sur cet article par hasard.

I stumbled upon this article by chance.

Tomber sur means 'to stumble upon'.

Rien n'est laissé au hasard dans ce projet.

Nothing is left to chance in this project.

Passive voice construction.

Par un malheureux hasard, il a plu pendant le mariage.

By an unfortunate coincidence, it rained during the wedding.

Malheureux is the opposite of heureux.

Le hasard joue un rôle important dans la vie.

Chance plays an important role in life.

Jouer un rôle means 'to play a role'.

Elle a cité quelques noms au hasard.

She mentioned a few names at random.

Au hasard follows the object.

Le hasard est le pseudonyme de Dieu quand il ne veut pas signer.

Chance is God's pseudonym when he doesn't want to sign.

A famous quote by Anatole France.

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

It's not by chance that she succeeded.

Negative emphasis implies hard work.

Il s'en remet au hasard pour la suite.

He is leaving the rest to chance.

S'en remettre à means 'to leave it to'.

Les jeux de hasard sont réglementés par l'État.

Games of chance are regulated by the state.

Jeux de hasard is the term for gambling.

Elle a ouvert son cœur au hasard des rencontres.

She opened her heart to the randomness of meetings.

Au hasard de means 'subject to the randomness of'.

Le hasard fait parfois bien les choses, n'est-ce pas ?

Chance sometimes works out well, doesn't it?

Tag question at the end.

Il a agi au hasard, sans réfléchir aux conséquences.

He acted at random, without thinking about the consequences.

Sans + infinitive construction.

Le hasard a voulu que nos chemins se croisent à nouveau.

As luck would have it, our paths crossed again.

Le hasard a voulu que + subjunctive (or indicative in some cases).

Un coup de dés jamais n'abolira le hasard.

A throw of the dice will never abolish chance.

A famous line by Stéphane Mallarmé.

Le hasard est la seule chose qui ne nous déçoive jamais.

Chance is the only thing that never disappoints us.

Relative clause with subjunctive 'déçoive'.

L'univers est régi par les lois du hasard et de la nécessité.

The universe is governed by the laws of chance and necessity.

Régi par means 'governed by'.

Elle se laisse porter par le hasard des circonstances.

She lets herself be carried by the chance of circumstances.

Se laisser + infinitive construction.

Le hasard est un grand maître, disait souvent mon grand-père.

Chance is a great master, my grandfather often said.

Personification of hasard.

Il ne faut pas confondre le hasard avec la providence.

One must not confuse chance with providence.

Confondre avec means 'to confuse with'.

Tout ce qui nous arrive est le pur produit du hasard.

Everything that happens to us is the pure product of chance.

Pur produit means 'pure product'.

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

As if by chance, he forgot his wallet when it was time to pay.

Comme par hasard is often used ironically.

Le hasard est l'ennemi juré de tout système déterministe.

Chance is the sworn enemy of any deterministic system.

Ennemi juré means 'sworn enemy'.

La vie n'est qu'une succession de hasards plus ou moins heureux.

Life is but a succession of more or less happy chances.

Ne... que means 'only'.

Il a exploré les confins du hasard dans ses recherches mathématiques.

He explored the edges of chance in his mathematical research.

Confins means 'borders' or 'edges'.

L'artiste revendique la part de hasard dans son processus créatif.

The artist claims the role of chance in his creative process.

Revendiquer means 'to claim'.

Le hasard est la signature de l'imprévisible dans le tissu du réel.

Chance is the signature of the unpredictable in the fabric of reality.

Tissu du réel is a metaphorical expression.

Nous sommes les jouets du hasard, ballottés par les vents du destin.

We are the playthings of chance, tossed by the winds of fate.

Jouets du hasard means 'playthings of chance'.

Il a analysé la stochasticité, cette forme savante du hasard.

He analyzed stochasticity, that learned form of chance.

Savante means 'learned' or 'scholarly'.

Le hasard ne favorise que les esprits préparés, selon Pasteur.

Chance favors only the prepared mind, according to Pasteur.

A very famous scientific quote.

Common Collocations

par hasard

au hasard

jeu de hasard

pur hasard

heureux hasard

laisser au hasard

fruit du hasard

hasard du calendrier

par le plus grand des hasards

remettre au hasard

Common Phrases

Comme par hasard !

— Used ironically to suggest something was actually planned.

Comme par hasard, il est en retard aujourd'hui.

Quel hasard !

— What a coincidence! Used when meeting someone unexpectedly.

Toi ici ? Quel hasard !

Le hasard fait bien les choses.

— Chance works out well. Used when a random event has a good result.

On a trouvé une place de parking, le hasard fait bien les choses.

Rien n'est laissé au hasard.

— Everything is carefully planned.

Dans ce film, rien n'est laissé au hasard.

Si par hasard...

— If by any chance... Used to introduce a possibility.

Si par hasard tu le vois, dis-lui bonjour.

Au petit bonheur la chance / au hasard.

— In a hit-or-miss way, randomly.

Il avance au hasard dans la forêt.

Le hasard de la vie.

— The unpredictability of life.

C'est le hasard de la vie qui nous a séparés.

Un coup de hasard.

— A stroke of luck or a random occurrence.

Il a réussi par un coup de hasard.

Le hasard des rencontres.

— The randomness of meeting people.

J'aime le hasard des rencontres en voyage.

Remettre son sort au hasard.

— To leave one's fate to chance.

Il a remis son sort au hasard.

Often Confused With

hasard vs danger

English speakers often use 'hasard' when they mean 'danger' because of the English word 'hazard'.

hasard vs chance

Learners often use 'hasard' for 'good luck', but 'chance' is the correct word for positive outcomes.

hasard vs coïncidence

While similar, 'coïncidence' is more specific than the general 'hasard'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Le hasard fait bien les choses"

— Things have a way of working themselves out randomly.

Nous avons trouvé la maison idéale, le hasard fait bien les choses.

common

"Un coup de dés jamais n'abolira le hasard"

— Even a deliberate act cannot eliminate randomness.

C'est une citation célèbre de Mallarmé.

literary

"Ne rien laisser au hasard"

— To be extremely meticulous and prepared.

Pour ce voyage, nous n'avons rien laissé au hasard.

common

"Comme par hasard"

— Used sarcastically to imply something was intentional.

Comme par hasard, il ne répond plus au téléphone.

informal

"S'en remettre au hasard"

— To stop trying to control things and let luck decide.

Je m'en remets au hasard pour mon avenir.

neutral

"Le fruit du hasard"

— The result of pure chance.

Leur rencontre était le fruit du hasard.

neutral

"Par le plus grand des hasards"

— By a very unlikely coincidence.

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

neutral

"Au hasard de la Balthazar"

— An old, rare expression meaning completely randomly.

Il a agi au hasard de la Balthazar.

archaic

"Prendre au hasard"

— To pick something without looking or choosing.

Prends une carte au hasard.

common

"Le hasard du calendrier"

— A coincidence in dates or timing.

C'est un pur hasard du calendrier.

journalistic

Easily Confused

hasard vs hazard (English)

Orthographic similarity.

English 'hazard' means danger or risk. French 'hasard' means chance or randomness. They are false friends.

A fire hazard (English) vs. Un pur hasard (French).

hasard vs chance

Semantic overlap.

In French, 'chance' is usually positive (luck), while 'hasard' is neutral (randomness).

Bonne chance ! (Good luck!) vs. Au hasard. (At random.)

hasard vs sort

Both relate to the unknown.

'Sort' is more about fate or destiny, often with a more serious or unavoidable tone than 'hasard'.

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

hasard vs aventure

Used in the expression 'par aventure'.

'Aventure' usually means adventure, but in old French 'par aventure' meant 'by chance'. It's rare today.

Une grande aventure. (A great adventure.)

hasard vs aléatoire

Both mean random.

'Aléatoire' is an adjective, whereas 'hasard' is a noun. You use 'aléatoire' to describe a process.

Un nombre aléatoire. (A random number.)

Sentence Patterns

Je suis [place] par hasard.

Je suis ici par hasard.

Il a [verb] [object] au hasard.

Il a choisi un film au hasard.

C'est le fruit du hasard si [clause].

C'est le fruit du hasard si nous sommes là.

Ne rien laisser au hasard.

Pour mon mariage, je n'ai rien laissé au hasard.

Le hasard a voulu que [subjonctif].

Le hasard a voulu que nous nous revoyions.

Comme par hasard, [clause].

Comme par hasard, il pleut.

Se laisser porter par le hasard de [noun].

Se laisser porter par le hasard de la vie.

L'influence du hasard sur [noun].

L'influence du hasard sur les résultats.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written French.

Common Mistakes

Using 'hasard' to mean 'danger'. → Ce produit est dangereux.
'Hasard' is a false friend. It means 'chance'. For danger, use 'danger' or 'risque'. This is the most critical error to avoid.
Saying 'l'hasard'. → Le hasard.
The 'h' in 'hasard' is an 'h aspiré'. You cannot contract the article. This is a very common grammatical mistake for beginners.
Making a liaison in 'par hasard'. → Par hasard (pronounced [paʁ azaʁ]).
Because of the 'h aspiré', you should not link the 'r' to the 'a'. Keep the sounds separate to sound like a native speaker.
Using 'la hasard'. → Le hasard.
'Hasard' is a masculine noun. Using the feminine article is incorrect and will affect adjective agreement later in the sentence.
Confusing 'par hasard' and 'au hasard'. → J'ai choisi au hasard / Je l'ai vu par hasard.
Use 'par' for events that happen to you and 'au' for choices you make randomly. Swapping them can lead to confusion about who is in control.

Tips

Remember the H Aspiré

Never write 'l'hasard'. Always write 'le hasard'. This 'h' acts like a physical barrier in the sentence, preventing contractions and liaisons. Think of it as a silent consonant that still takes up space.

Hasard vs. Chance

If the outcome is good, use 'chance' (luck). If you are talking about the mechanism of randomness itself, use 'hasard'. 'Par hasard' is 'by chance', but 'par chance' is 'luckily'. This distinction is vital for natural-sounding French.

Don't Link 'Par'

In the phrase 'par hasard', resist the urge to link the 'r' of 'par' to the 'a' of 'hasard'. It should be two distinct words: [paʁ] [azaʁ]. This is one of the most common phonetic mistakes for learners.

Polite Inquiries

Use 'par hasard' at the end of a question to make it sound more polite and less demanding. For example: 'Avez-vous du pain, par hasard ?' (Do you have any bread, by any chance?) It's a great social lubricant.

Games of Chance

When you see 'Jeux de hasard', think 'Gambling'. This is the standard term in France for everything from the lottery to casino games. It's a useful term to know for signs and legal warnings.

The Dice Connection

Remember that 'hasard' comes from the Arabic word for 'dice'. Every time you use the word, imagine you are rolling a die. This will help you remember that it's about randomness, not danger.

Sophisticated Phrases

Instead of saying 'C'était un hasard', try 'C'était le fruit du hasard'. This small change in phrasing will make your writing sound much more advanced and native-like.

Sarcastic 'Hasard'

Master the tone for 'Comme par hasard !'. It’s used when something 'random' happens that is clearly not random, like a friend always 'randomly' arriving just when dinner is served.

News Phrasing

Journalists love the phrase 'le hasard du calendrier'. It’s used to explain why two events (like an election and a holiday) happen at the same time. Listen for it on France Info or TF1.

Embrace the Random

French culture values the 'spontaneous meeting'. Use 'hasard' to describe your travels and interactions in France; it shows you appreciate the unpredictable beauty of the country.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'hazard' in golf, but instead of danger, imagine a 'dice' (from Arabic) falling into it. The dice represents the French 'hasard' (chance).

Visual Association

Visualize a pair of dice rolling on a French café table. Each roll is a 'hasard'.

Word Web

Dice Random Luck Coincidence No Plan Spontaneous Unpredictable French Loto

Challenge

Try to use 'par hasard' and 'au hasard' in two different sentences today. For example, tell someone about a random choice you made.

Word Origin

The word 'hasard' entered the French language in the 12th century. It originates from the Arabic word 'az-zahr', which means 'the die' (singular of dice). This reflects the historical connection between games of chance and the concept of randomness.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred specifically to a game of dice that was popular during the Crusades.

It is an Afro-Asiatic loanword into the Romance language family.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'jeux de hasard' (gambling) can be a sensitive topic for some individuals or families.

English speakers must be very careful not to use 'hasard' when they mean 'danger'. This is a classic 'faux-ami'.

Un coup de dés jamais n'abolira le hasard (Mallarmé) Le Hasard et la Nécessité (Jacques Monod) Le Hasard (Film by Krzysztof Kieślowski, though Polish, influential in French cinema)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Meeting someone unexpectedly

Quel hasard !
On s'est vus par hasard.
C'est un drôle de hasard.
Le monde est petit !

Making a random choice

Choisissez au hasard.
J'ai pris ce livre au hasard.
Ne choisis pas au hasard.
C'est un choix aléatoire.

Gambling and lotteries

Un jeu de hasard.
Gagner par hasard.
Tenter sa chance.
Le hasard du tirage.

Planning and preparation

Ne rien laisser au hasard.
Tout est prévu.
C'est trop risqué de laisser ça au hasard.
Maîtriser le hasard.

Scientific/Academic discussion

Les lois du hasard.
Le fruit du hasard.
Une variable aléatoire.
L'influence du hasard.

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu crois au hasard ou est-ce que tout est écrit ?"

"Raconte-moi une fois où tu as rencontré quelqu'un par hasard."

"Est-ce que tu laisses souvent les choses au hasard quand tu voyages ?"

"Quel est le plus grand hasard qui te soit jamais arrivé ?"

"Est-ce que tu penses que le hasard fait bien les choses ?"

Journal Prompts

Écris sur une rencontre par hasard qui a changé ta vie.

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

Décris un 'heureux hasard' que tu as vécu récemment.

Que penses-tu de l'expression 'le hasard n'existe pas' ?

Imagine un monde où le hasard n'existerait plus. Comment serait la vie ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is masculine: 'le hasard'. You should never say 'la hasard'. This is important for adjective agreement, like 'un hasard imprévu'.

No, this is a common mistake. 'Hasard' means chance or randomness. If you want to say 'danger', use the word 'danger' or 'risque'.

'Par hasard' means 'by chance' (something happened to you). 'Au hasard' means 'at random' (you made a random choice).

No. The 'h' in 'hasard' is an 'h aspiré'. Say 'le hasard' [lə azar] and 'par hasard' [paʁ azar] without linking the sounds.

Yes, 'les hasards' is possible, often used in literary contexts to describe various random events: 'les hasards de la vie'.

Yes, it is extremely common in everyday French conversation, literature, and news.

It is a game of chance, like a lottery, roulette, or any form of gambling where luck determines the winner.

You use 'par hasard'. For example: 'Est-ce que vous connaissez Marie, par hasard ?'

It translates to 'As if by chance' and is usually used sarcastically to imply that something was actually planned or expected.

The adjective is 'hasardeux' (masculine) or 'hasardeuse' (feminine), meaning risky or uncertain, but 'aléatoire' is more common for 'random'.