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coincidenza

C1 noun 16 min read

coincidenza

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips coincidenza in 30 Seconds

Explanation coincidenza in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'coincidenza' primarily as a travel word. When you travel in Italy by train, you often have to change trains. The second train you take is called the 'coincidenza'. For example, if you go from Rome to a small town, you might stop in Florence and take a 'coincidenza'. You should learn the phrase 'prendere la coincidenza' (to catch the connection) and 'perdere la coincidenza' (to miss the connection). It is a feminine word, so we say 'la coincidenza'. You might also hear people say 'Che coincidenza!' when two simple things happen at the same time, like two people wearing the same color hat. It is a long word, but very useful for tourists. Just remember: it is about things happening together. In a station, look at the big screens for your next train; that is your connection. It is important to know this word so you don't get lost when the conductor speaks to you. Italian trains are famous for their 'coincidenze', sometimes they are fast, sometimes they are slow. If you are at a station, you can ask 'Dov'è la coincidenza per Milano?' to find your next platform. This is the most basic and practical way to use the word. Don't worry about the complex meanings yet; just think of it as your 'next train' or a 'surprising meeting'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'coincidenza' to describe small accidents of life. You already know it means a train connection, but now you can use it to talk about your day. For example, if you see a friend at the supermarket, you can say 'Che coincidenza!'. This is a very common expression in Italy. You should also notice that the word starts with 'co-', which means 'together'. In A2, you are learning to describe events in the past. You might say, 'Ho incontrato Marco per coincidenza' (I met Marco by coincidence). Notice the preposition 'per'. This is the standard way to say 'by'. You can also use adjectives like 'strana' (strange) or 'bella' (nice). 'È stata una bella coincidenza' means it was a nice surprise. In travel, you might need to explain why you are late: 'Ho perso la coincidenza perché il treno era in ritardo'. This uses the word to build a logical sentence. You are moving beyond just naming things to explaining situations. The word is feminine, so adjectives must end in 'a' (una coincidenza fortunata). Practice saying the word slowly: co-in-ci-den-za. It has five syllables. This will help you sound more natural when you are surprised by something.

At the B1 level, 'coincidenza' becomes a tool for more detailed storytelling and logistical planning. You are now able to discuss plans and unforeseen events. You can use 'coincidenza' to describe the 'timing' of events. For instance, 'La coincidenza dei nostri impegni è perfetta' (The timing of our commitments is perfect). Here, it doesn't just mean an accident, but a synchronization. In terms of grammar, you can start using the plural 'coincidenze'. You might say, 'La vita è fatta di coincidenze' (Life is made of coincidences). This is a more philosophical use. You should also be aware of the difference between 'coincidenza' and 'caso'. While 'caso' is just chance, 'coincidenza' usually involves two specific things. If you win the lottery, it's 'caso'. If you and your best friend win the lottery on the same day, it's a 'coincidenza'. In travel, you might need to handle more complex situations, like asking 'Quanto tempo ho per la coincidenza?' (How much time do I have for the connection?). This shows you are managing your time in Italian. You are also beginning to see the word in newspapers or books, often referring to things that happen 'in coincidenza con' (coinciding with) something else. This prepositional phrase is very useful for linking two events in your stories.

At the B2 level, you should use 'coincidenza' with more nuance and precision. You can distinguish between a 'pura coincidenza' (pure coincidence) and something that might not be an accident at all. You are now capable of expressing doubt or suspicion. A common B2 phrase is 'Non credo alle coincidenze' (I don't believe in coincidences). This implies that you think there is a hidden reason for what happened. You can also use the word in more formal contexts, such as 'coincidenza di vedute' (coincidence of views/agreement). This is common in business or debates when two people agree. You should also master the use of the word in the context of 'concurrence'. For example, 'La coincidenza di questi due fattori ha portato al successo' (The concurrence of these two factors led to success). Here, 'coincidenza' is a synonym for a combination of events. Your vocabulary is expanding to include words like 'fortuito' (fortuitous) to describe a coincidence. You might say 'È stata una coincidenza del tutto fortuita'. This adds a level of sophistication to your speech. In travel, you are now comfortable with the technical side, understanding that a 'coincidenza garantita' is a connection where the second train will wait for the first one if it's late. This is a specific term used by Italian railways.

At the C1 level, you are expected to use 'coincidenza' in abstract, technical, and highly nuanced ways. You understand that the word can describe the physical alignment of objects, the logical agreement of theories, and the mysterious synchronicity of life. You can use it in academic writing to describe a 'coincidenza temporale' (temporal coincidence) or a 'coincidenza spaziale' (spatial coincidence) between data sets. You should be able to discuss the concept of 'causalità' (causality) versus 'coincidenza'. For example, you might argue, 'Dobbiamo distinguere tra una vera relazione causale e una semplice coincidenza statistica' (We must distinguish between a true causal relationship and a simple statistical coincidence). This shows a high level of analytical thinking in Italian. You also know idiomatic and literary uses. In a discussion about a novel, you might talk about the 'coincidenze narrative' that drive the plot. You are sensitive to the register of the word; you know that 'concomitanza' might be a better choice in a formal report, while 'coincidenza' is perfect for an intellectual discussion. You can also use the word to describe the 'coincidenza di interessi' (coincidence of interests) in political science. At this level, the word is no longer just about trains or surprises; it is a structural concept used to explain how the world fits together, whether by accident or by design.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'coincidenza' is near-native. You use the word with effortless precision in all its forms. You can appreciate and use it in poetic or highly rhetorical contexts. For example, you might use it to describe the 'coincidenza degli opposti' (coincidence of opposites), a philosophical concept (coincidentia oppositorum). You are aware of the word's etymology from the Latin 'coincidere' and how this informs its various meanings in Romance languages. In high-level professional environments, you use 'coincidenza' to describe the perfect alignment of complex systems. You are also a master of the subtle irony often associated with the word. When you say 'Che strana coincidenza...', your tone can convey a wealth of hidden meaning, suggesting skepticism or deep insight. You can navigate the most complex Italian railway regulations regarding 'diritto alla coincidenza' (right to a connection) and compensation. You also recognize the word in the titles of famous Italian works or films, understanding the cultural weight it carries. Your use of synonyms like 'concomitanza', 'sincronia', or 'casualità' is perfectly calibrated to the context. For a C2 speaker, 'coincidenza' is a thread in the vast tapestry of the Italian language, used to weave together logic, fate, and logistics with absolute fluency and stylistic flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

coincidenza in 30 Seconds

Coincidenza is a feminine noun used for chance events and transport connections.
It is a high-frequency word essential for both travel and social interaction in Italy.
At advanced levels, it describes logical agreement, data alignment, and suspicious timing.
Commonly used in phrases like 'per coincidenza' and 'perdere la coincidenza'.

The Italian word coincidenza is a versatile and essential noun that every advanced learner must master, as it bridges the gap between everyday logistical reality and the abstract philosophy of chance. At its core, the word carries two primary meanings that, while distinct in English, share a common logical thread in Italian: the act of two things happening or arriving at the same time and place. The most common usage refers to a coincidence—a remarkable concurrence of events that appear connected but lack an obvious causal link. When you run into a childhood friend in a foreign city, an Italian would exclaim, 'Che coincidenza!'. However, the word is equally vital in the context of travel, where it specifically refers to a connection or a transfer between trains, buses, or flights. Understanding which meaning is intended depends entirely on the context of the conversation, though the underlying concept of 'timing' remains constant.

Chance Occurrence: This refers to the English 'coincidence'. It describes events that happen simultaneously by accident. It is often used to express surprise or to analyze patterns in life that seem too perfect to be random.

Transport Connection: In a station or airport, this refers to the 'coinciding' of two transport schedules. If your first train arrives at 10:00 and your second departs at 10:15, that second train is your coincidenza.

È stata una pura coincidenza che ci siamo incontrati proprio lì.

In philosophical or scientific discussions at the C1 level, coincidenza can also imply a 'correspondence' or 'alignment' between two sets of data or ideas. For instance, if two theories reach the same conclusion, there is a coincidenza di vedute (a coincidence of views). This usage is more formal and suggests a structural or logical agreement rather than just a random accident. Italians often use the word to downplay their own efforts or to highlight the mysterious nature of fate. When something good happens unexpectedly, saying 'è un caso' or 'è una coincidenza' adds a layer of humility or wonder to the statement. Conversely, in the world of Italian bureaucracy or travel, the word is often associated with stress: 'perdere la coincidenza' (missing the connection) is a common fear for commuters navigating the national rail network, Trenitalia.

Il ritardo del primo volo mi ha fatto perdere la coincidenza per Parigi.

Beyond the physical and the accidental, the word enters the realm of mathematics and geometry. In these technical fields, coincidenza refers to the property of two geometric figures occupying the same space. If two lines are 'coincident', they lie exactly on top of one another. This provides a helpful mental image for the word's broader meaning: two separate entities becoming one in time or space. Whether you are discussing the alignment of stars, the meeting of two people, or the synchronization of trains, you are describing a state where disparate elements occupy a singular moment. This richness makes it a favorite for poets and novelists who explore the themes of destiny versus chance. In the works of Italian authors like Italo Calvino, the 'coincidenza' is often a pivot point for the entire narrative, representing the thin line between order and chaos.

Non credo nelle coincidenze; tutto accade per una ragione precisa.

Logical Alignment: Used in academic contexts to describe when two different arguments or data points lead to the same result, reinforcing the validity of a conclusion.

C'è una strana coincidenza tra le date di questi due eventi storici.

In summary, coincidenza is a high-frequency word that spans from the mundane (waiting for a bus) to the profound (questioning the universe). As a C1 learner, you should use it to articulate complex relationships between events. It serves as a linguistic tool to describe the intersection of paths—physical, chronological, or intellectual. Whether you are navigating the streets of Rome or the complexities of Italian literature, recognizing the dual nature of this word will allow you to communicate with the precision and nuance of a native speaker. It is not just about things happening 'at the same time'; it is about the significance we find in that simultaneous occurrence.

Using coincidenza correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role and its common idiomatic pairings. As a feminine noun, it is always preceded by feminine articles (la, una, le) and modified by feminine adjectives (strana, incredibile, fortuita). The word is most frequently found in prepositional phrases that set the stage for a surprising revelation. For example, the phrase 'per una strana coincidenza' (by a strange coincidence) is a classic way to begin a story. It alerts the listener that what follows was not planned but is nonetheless significant. At the C1 level, you should aim to use more sophisticated adjectives to qualify the coincidence, such as 'coincidenza fortuita' (fortuitous coincidence) or 'coincidenza agghiacciante' (chilling coincidence).

The 'Per' Construction: Used to explain the cause of an event as being accidental. Example: 'Ci siamo visti per coincidenza' (We saw each other by coincidence).

Per una pura coincidenza, avevo con me proprio il documento che cercavi.

In the context of travel, the verbs prendere (to take/catch) and perdere (to lose/miss) are the most common companions for coincidenza. You might say, 'Devo correre per prendere la coincidenza' (I have to run to catch the connection). Notice that in Italian, we don't usually say 'connection' (connessione) for trains; coincidenza is the technical and colloquial term. If you are asking a station agent about your trip, you would ask, 'C'è una coincidenza per Milano?' (Is there a connection for Milan?). This demonstrates the word's practical utility. It is also used with the verb aspettare (to wait for), as in 'Sto aspettando la coincidenza delle 14:30'.

Se il treno è in ritardo, non riusciremo a prendere la coincidenza.

Another advanced way to use coincidenza is to describe the alignment of interests or opinions. The phrase 'coincidenza di interessi' (coincidence of interests) is common in legal, political, or business Italian. It suggests that two parties want the same thing, perhaps for different reasons. In this sense, the word moves away from 'accident' and toward 'congruence'. You might hear a news anchor say, 'C'è stata una coincidenza di vedute tra i due leader' (There was a coincidence of views between the two leaders). This usage is highly formal and indicates a sophisticated level of Italian. It implies that the synchronization is functional or strategic rather than purely random.

Abstract Congruence: 'Coincidenza di vedute' (Agreement of opinions) or 'Coincidenza di intenti' (Alignment of goals). These phrases are used in professional settings.

La coincidenza di vedute tra i partner ha facilitato l'accordo.

Finally, the word is often used in negative constructions to emphasize that something was deliberate. 'Non è una coincidenza che...' (It's not a coincidence that...) is a powerful rhetorical device used to imply a hidden motive or a logical consequence. This is frequently used in investigative journalism or debates. For example, 'Non è una coincidenza che i prezzi siano aumentati proprio ora' (It's not a coincidence that prices rose exactly now). By mastering these different sentence patterns—from the accidental and the logistical to the strategic and the rhetorical—you can use coincidenza to navigate almost any social or professional situation in Italy.

Non può essere una coincidenza che entrambi abbiano dato le dimissioni oggi.

The 'In' Construction: 'In coincidenza con' (In coincidence with / coinciding with). Used to link two events in time. 'L'evento si terrà in coincidenza con il festival'.

When writing, remember that coincidenza is spelled with a 'z' and not a 's', a common mistake for English speakers influenced by the word 'coincidence'. The double 'i' (co-in-ci-den-za) should be pronounced clearly to ensure you are understood. Whether you are complaining about a missed train in Milan or discussing the synchronicities of life in a philosophy seminar, these patterns will serve as your grammatical foundation.

In Italy, you will encounter the word coincidenza in two very different but equally common environments: the railway station and the social gathering. If you are traveling through Italy, the most frequent place you will hear this word is over a loudspeaker. At stations like Roma Termini or Milano Centrale, announcements constantly update passengers on their coincidenze. You will hear phrases like 'I passeggeri in coincidenza per Venezia sono pregati di recarsi al binario 5' (Passengers connecting to Venice are requested to go to platform 5). In this context, the word is strictly functional, representing the lifeline of the Italian transit system. Every traveler knows the anxiety of a delayed train threatening their coincidenza, making this word a central part of the Italian travel experience.

Public Announcements: Listen for 'coincidenza' in airports and stations. It is the standard term for a transfer between two legs of a journey.

Attenzione: la coincidenza per Bologna partirà con dieci minuti di ritardo.

Socially, coincidenza is the hallmark of Italian storytelling. Italians love to talk about 'destiny' and 'luck', and the word is used to highlight the magical or unlikely nature of an encounter. If two friends discover they are wearing the same shirt, or that they both visited the same remote beach on the same day, the air will be filled with cries of 'Ma che coincidenza!'. It is a word that builds rapport and shared wonder. In these moments, the word is often emphasized with a long, drawn-out 'z' sound, adding to the expressive nature of the conversation. It is also a staple of mystery movies and crime novels in Italy, where detectives often say, 'Troppe coincidenze fanno una prova' (Too many coincidences make a proof), a popular localized version of the idea that there is no such thing as a coincidence in a crime scene.

È una coincidenza incredibile che ci siamo ritrovati dopo vent'anni.

In professional or scientific settings, you will hear coincidenza used more precisely. In a laboratory or a data analysis meeting, a researcher might note a coincidenza temporale (temporal coincidence) between two variables. Here, the tone is analytical. It is used to describe data points that align in a way that warrants further investigation. Similarly, in legal proceedings, a lawyer might argue about the coincidenza delle testimonianze (the coincidence/agreement of testimonies). If two witnesses say the exact same thing, their 'coincidenza' is a sign of reliability (or, if too perfect, a sign of collusion). This demonstrates that while the word can be emotional and social, it also holds weight in the most rigorous of Italian professional environments.

Scientific/Legal Context: Used to describe the synchronization of data or the agreement between different accounts of an event.

Dobbiamo verificare se esiste una coincidenza tra questi due fenomeni.

Finally, you will find the word in literature and journalism. Italian newspapers often use it in headlines to point out suspicious timing in politics. For example, 'Coincidenze sospette sulla nomina del ministro' (Suspicious coincidences regarding the minister's appointment). In this context, the word is a tool for critique, suggesting that what looks like an accident is actually a planned move. Whether it is the cold logic of a train schedule, the warmth of a chance meeting, the precision of a scientific paper, or the cynicism of a political op-ed, coincidenza is a word that resonates through every layer of Italian life. Listening for it in these different contexts will help you understand the Italian mindset—which is always looking for the patterns that connect the world.

La coincidenza dei nostri orari ci permette di pranzare insieme ogni giorno.

Journalistic Skepticism: Often used with the adjective 'sospetta' (suspicious) to imply that an event was not actually accidental.

Even advanced learners of Italian can stumble when using coincidenza, primarily due to interference from English or a misunderstanding of Italian travel terminology. The most common mistake is using the word connessione when referring to a transport connection. While 'connection' is the standard word in English for switching from one train to another, in Italian, connessione is almost exclusively used for technical connections, like an internet connection (connessione internet) or a logical link between ideas. If you tell a station master 'Ho perso la mia connessione', they will understand you, but it will sound distinctly non-native. The correct term is always coincidenza.

Connessione vs. Coincidenza: Use 'connessione' for Wi-Fi or abstract links; use 'coincidenza' for trains, buses, planes, and lucky accidents.

Sbagliato: Ho perso la connessione per Roma.
Corretto: Ho perso la coincidenza per Roma.

Another frequent error involves the spelling and pronunciation. English speakers often want to write 'coincidenza' with an 's' (as in 'coincidence'). In Italian, the 'z' is crucial. Furthermore, the pronunciation must be careful to avoid merging the 'o' and the 'i'. It is co-in-ci-den-za, five distinct syllables. Rushing through the word can lead to a lack of clarity. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse coincidenza with caso. While they are related, caso refers to chance or luck in general ('è un caso' = it's a matter of chance), whereas coincidenza specifically requires two things to happen together. You can't have a 'coincidenza' of just one thing; it requires a meeting point.

È solo un caso che io sia qui, ma è una coincidenza che ci sia anche tu.

A subtle mistake occurs in the use of prepositions. Many learners try to translate 'by coincidence' as 'da coincidenza'. The correct Italian prepositional phrase is 'per coincidenza' or 'per una coincidenza'. Using da or con in this context is a common sign of a non-native speaker. Furthermore, when describing two things coinciding, the preposition con is used: 'La festa è in coincidenza con le vacanze' (The party coincides with the holidays). Getting these small words right is what separates a B2 learner from a C1/C2 speaker. Finally, be careful not to use coincidenza when you mean 'occurrence' or 'event'. An event is an evento or an avvenimento; it only becomes a coincidenza if it aligns with something else.

Preposition Errors: Avoid 'da coincidenza'. Always use 'per coincidenza' to say 'by coincidence'.

Sbagliato: Ci siamo visti da coincidenza.
Corretto: Ci siamo visti per coincidenza.

Lastly, consider the register. While coincidenza is appropriate for almost all situations, using it too much in a very informal setting might sound a bit stiff. In casual conversation, Italians might just say 'che fortuna!' (what luck!) or 'guarda un po'!' (look at that!). However, coincidenza remains the most precise and adult way to describe the phenomenon. By avoiding the 'connessione' trap, mastering the 'per' preposition, and ensuring your spelling is 'z'-perfect, you will use this word with the confidence of a native.

Non è un evento isolato, è una coincidenza significativa.

The 'Z' Sound: In Italian, the 'z' in 'coincidenza' is voiced like the 'ds' in 'roads'. Avoid the soft English 's' sound.

To truly master Italian at a C1 level, you need to know not just coincidenza, but also its synonyms and related terms that provide different shades of meaning. Depending on whether you want to emphasize the randomness, the timing, or the logical connection, several other words might be more appropriate. The most common alternative is caso. While coincidenza implies two things meeting, caso emphasizes pure chance or hazard. If you say 'è un caso', you are saying it happened by accident, without necessarily focusing on the 'meeting' of two events. It is more general and slightly more informal than coincidenza.

Caso: Chance, accident. Used for general randomness. 'Per caso' is the most common way to say 'by chance'.

L'ho trovato per caso in un vecchio cassetto.

Another elegant alternative is concomitanza. This word is more formal and is often used in academic or professional writing to describe two things happening at the same time. While coincidenza can feel like 'luck', concomitanza feels like 'simultaneity'. For example, 'la concomitanza di diversi fattori' (the concomitance/combination of several factors). This is a great word to use in an essay or a business report when you want to sound more precise and less emotional. It strips away the 'magic' of a coincidence and focuses on the factual overlap of events. Similarly, contemporaneità refers strictly to the state of being contemporary or happening at the same time, without any implication of a meaningful link.

La crisi è stata causata dalla concomitanza di eventi imprevedibili.

If you are talking about the transport meaning of coincidenza, you might occasionally hear corrispondenza. While coincidenza is the standard for trains and buses, corrispondenza can be used for mail (correspondence) or for connections in a more abstract sense. However, in modern Italian travel, coincidenza is the dominant term. For a very lucky coincidence, you might use colpo di fortuna (a stroke of luck) or casualità (casualty/randomness). Casualità is the noun form of 'casual' and is used to discuss the philosophical concept of things happening without a cause. It is much more abstract than coincidenza.

Casualità: Randomness, haphazardness. Used in philosophy and statistics to describe the lack of a pattern.

Non possiamo affidare il nostro futuro alla pura casualità.

Finally, consider the word sincronicità (synchronicity). This is a specialized term, often associated with Jungian psychology, used to describe coincidences that seem to have a profound psychological meaning. While you wouldn't use this at a train station, it is a perfect word for a deep conversation about the mysteries of life. By choosing between caso, concomitanza, casualità, and sincronicità, you can tailor your Italian to the exact level of formality and meaning required. This variety is the hallmark of a truly advanced speaker who can navigate the many layers of the Italian language.

C'è una perfetta sincronicità tra i nostri pensieri oggi.

Contemporaneità: Simultaneity. Used when two events occur at the same time without necessarily being related.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word entered the Italian language in the 17th century, initially used in a geometric and astronomical sense to describe the alignment of points or stars.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ko.in.t͡ʃiˈdɛn.t͡sa/

US /ko.in.t͡ʃiˈdɛn.t͡sa/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable: 'den'.

Rhymes With

pazienza assenza partenza conoscenza differenza esistenza intelligenza presenza

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like the English 'coincidence' with an 's' sound instead of 'ts'.
Merging the 'o' and 'i' into a single vowel sound.
Forgetting to pronounce the 'i' after the 'c'.
Stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., stressing the 'ci').
Writing it with an 's' instead of a 'z'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is long but easy to recognize due to its English cognate.

Writing 3/5

Spelling with 'z' and 'i' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

Requires clear five-syllable pronunciation.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in announcements, usually easy to pick out.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Treno Caso Incontro Ritardo Tempo

Learn Next

Casualità Sincronicità Concomitanza Destino Sorte

Advanced

Contemporaneità Simultaneità Corrispondenza Congruenza

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in '-enza' are always feminine.

La coincidenza, la pazienza, la partenza.

Preposition 'per' is used to express the cause or means of an accidental event.

L'ho fatto per coincidenza.

The preposition 'in' combined with 'con' creates a temporal link.

In coincidenza con l'estate.

Subjunctive is required after 'pensare/credere' when doubting a coincidence.

Non credo che sia una coincidenza.

Direct object placement with 'aspettare' and 'prendere'.

Aspetto la coincidenza (no preposition needed).

Examples by Level

Ho perso la coincidenza per Roma.

I missed the connection for Rome.

Uses 'perdere' (to lose/miss) with the feminine noun 'coincidenza'.

Dov'è la coincidenza per Milano?

Where is the connection for Milan?

A simple interrogative sentence using the definite article 'la'.

Che coincidenza! Anche io vado lì.

What a coincidence! I'm going there too.

A common exclamation using 'Che' to mean 'What a'.

La coincidenza è al binario dieci.

The connection is at platform ten.

'Binario' means platform; 'coincidenza' refers to the connecting train.

Prendo la coincidenza delle otto.

I am taking the eight o'clock connection.

Uses 'prendere' (to take) with a time expression.

È una coincidenza.

It is a coincidence.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

Non c'è una coincidenza stasera.

There isn't a connection tonight.

Negative form using 'non c'è' (there isn't).

Aspetto la coincidenza per un'ora.

I wait for the connection for an hour.

Uses 'aspettare' (to wait) which takes a direct object in Italian.

Ci siamo incontrati per coincidenza.

We met by coincidence.

Uses the prepositional phrase 'per coincidenza' to mean 'by chance'.

È stata una coincidenza fortunata.

It was a lucky coincidence.

Past tense 'è stata' and the feminine adjective 'fortunata'.

Il treno era in ritardo e ho perso la coincidenza.

The train was late and I missed the connection.

Compound sentence using 'perché' logic (implied).

Hai visto che strana coincidenza?

Did you see what a strange coincidence?

Uses 'che' as an adjective and 'strana' to modify the noun.

Dobbiamo correre per la coincidenza.

We have to run for the connection.

Uses 'per' to indicate the purpose or goal.

Non credo sia una coincidenza.

I don't think it's a coincidence.

Uses the subjunctive 'sia' after a verb of thinking/doubting.

Le coincidenze sono rare.

Coincidences are rare.

Plural form 'le coincidenze' and 'rare'.

Ho trovato questo libro per coincidenza.

I found this book by coincidence.

Passato prossimo 'ho trovato' with 'per coincidenza'.

La coincidenza dei nostri orari è ottima.

The coincidence of our schedules is great.

Uses 'coincidenza' to mean synchronization or timing.

Per una strana coincidenza, siamo nati lo stesso giorno.

By a strange coincidence, we were born on the same day.

Introductory phrase 'Per una strana coincidenza'.

Spero che la coincidenza non parta in anticipo.

I hope the connection doesn't leave early.

Uses 'spero che' followed by the subjunctive 'parta'.

C'è una coincidenza di interessi tra noi.

There is a coincidence of interests between us.

Abstract usage meaning 'alignment' or 'shared goals'.

Tutto è successo in coincidenza con la pioggia.

Everything happened coinciding with the rain.

Uses the complex prepositional phrase 'in coincidenza con'.

Non è stata solo una coincidenza, è destino.

It wasn't just a coincidence, it's fate.

Contrasts 'coincidenza' with 'destino'.

Mi chiedo se sia una coincidenza o un piano.

I wonder if it's a coincidence or a plan.

Indirect question using the subjunctive 'sia'.

Abbiamo perso tutte le coincidenze a causa dello sciopero.

We missed all the connections because of the strike.

Plural 'coincidenze' and 'a causa di' (because of).

La coincidenza tra le due teorie è sorprendente.

The coincidence between the two theories is surprising.

Describes a structural agreement or congruence.

È una coincidenza troppo grande per essere ignorata.

It's too big a coincidence to be ignored.

Uses 'troppo... per...' construction.

Le coincidenze della vita mi lasciano sempre senza parole.

Life's coincidences always leave me speechless.

Idiomatic expression 'lasciare senza parole'.

C'è una coincidenza perfetta tra i dati raccolti.

There is a perfect coincidence between the collected data.

Scientific context meaning 'exact match'.

Non può essere una pura coincidenza che siano spariti entrambi.

It can't be a pure coincidence that they both disappeared.

Uses 'non può essere' to express strong logical deduction.

Hanno agito in coincidenza temporale, ma non si conoscevano.

They acted with temporal coincidence, but they didn't know each other.

Uses 'coincidenza temporale' as a formal technical term.

L'autore usa le coincidenze per far progredire la trama.

The author uses coincidences to advance the plot.

Literary analysis context.

La coincidenza di vedute ha permesso di chiudere l'affare.

The coincidence of views allowed the deal to be closed.

Formal idiom meaning 'agreement of opinions'.

Si tratta di una coincidenza fortuita che ha cambiato la storia.

It is a fortuitous coincidence that changed history.

Uses the elevated adjective 'fortuita'.

La coincidenza degli eventi suggerisce un disegno più ampio.

The coincidence of events suggests a broader design.

Formal philosophical or analytical tone.

Non è una coincidenza che la crisi sia scoppiata proprio ora.

It is not a coincidence that the crisis broke out exactly now.

Rhetorical use to imply causality or hidden motives.

Esiste una coincidenza quasi millimetrica tra i due profili.

There is an almost millimetric coincidence between the two profiles.

Uses 'millimetrica' to emphasize extreme precision.

La coincidenza di intenti tra i partiti è solo apparente.

The coincidence of intentions between the parties is only apparent.

Politic-speak; 'apparente' (seeming, not real).

Hanno negato ogni coincidenza sospetta nei loro movimenti.

They denied any suspicious coincidence in their movements.

Uses 'sospetta' to imply a potential crime.

La sincronicità è una forma di coincidenza significativa.

Synchronicity is a form of meaningful coincidence.

Psychological/Philosophical context.

La coincidenza dei risultati conferma la validità del metodo.

The coincidence of the results confirms the validity of the method.

Scientific validation context.

La coincidenza degli opposti è un tema centrale della mistica.

The coincidence of opposites is a central theme of mysticism.

Refers to the philosophical 'coincidentia oppositorum'.

Si è verificata una rara coincidenza astrale questa notte.

A rare astral coincidence occurred tonight.

Uses 'si è verificata' (occurred) in a formal way.

La coincidenza di queste date non può essere ascritta al caso.

The coincidence of these dates cannot be attributed to chance.

Uses 'ascritta a' (attributed to) - high-level vocabulary.

Egli scorgeva coincidenze laddove altri vedevano solo caos.

He perceived coincidences where others saw only chaos.

Literary 'laddove' (where/whereas) and 'scorgere' (to perceive).

La coincidenza di fattori esogeni ha aggravato la situazione.

The coincidence of exogenous factors worsened the situation.

Uses 'esogeni' (external/exogenous) - technical academic term.

Nulla è lasciato alla coincidenza in questa architettura perfetta.

Nothing is left to coincidence in this perfect architecture.

Uses 'lasciato alla' (left to) to mean 'allowed to happen by'.

La coincidenza di vedute tra i filosofi è frutto di secoli di dialogo.

The coincidence of views among philosophers is the result of centuries of dialogue.

Complex sentence structure with abstract nouns.

In coincidenza con il solstizio, si celebrava l'antico rito.

Coinciding with the solstice, the ancient rite was celebrated.

Inverted sentence structure common in formal or literary writing.

Common Collocations

Pura coincidenza

Strana coincidenza

Perdere la coincidenza

Prendere la coincidenza

Coincidenza di vedute

In coincidenza con

Coincidenza fortuita

Coincidenza temporale

Mancare la coincidenza

Coincidenza sospetta

Common Phrases

Che coincidenza!

— What a coincidence! Used as a reactive exclamation.

Sei qui anche tu? Che coincidenza!

Per una coincidenza...

— By a coincidence... Used to start a story.

Per una coincidenza, avevo proprio quel libro.

Non è una coincidenza.

— It's not a coincidence. Implies a hidden cause.

Non è una coincidenza che lui sia sparito oggi.

Coincidenze della vita

— Life's coincidences. Refers to the strange turns of fate.

Le coincidenze della vita sono incredibili.

Semplice coincidenza

— Mere coincidence. Downplays the significance.

È una semplice coincidenza, non preoccuparti.

Coincidenza d'interessi

— Coincidence of interests. Shared goals.

C'è una coincidenza d'interessi tra le due aziende.

In coincidenza di...

— At the same time as... Used for scheduling.

Siamo arrivati in coincidenza del tramonto.

Coincidenza garantita

— Guaranteed connection. The next train will wait.

È una coincidenza garantita, non aver fretta.

Troppe coincidenze

— Too many coincidences. Suggests a pattern or conspiracy.

Ci sono troppe coincidenze in questa storia.

Una serie di coincidenze

— A series of coincidences. A chain of accidental events.

Una serie di coincidenze ha portato a questo errore.

Often Confused With

coincidenza vs Connessione

English speakers use 'connection' for trains; Italians use 'coincidenza'. 'Connessione' is for Wi-Fi or abstract links.

coincidenza vs Caso

'Caso' is general chance; 'coincidenza' is specifically two things happening together.

coincidenza vs Incontro

An 'incontro' is a meeting; it only becomes a 'coincidenza' if it was unplanned and simultaneous.

Idioms & Expressions

"Troppe coincidenze fanno una prova"

— Too many coincidences constitute proof. Used in legal or investigative contexts.

Il detective disse: 'Troppe coincidenze fanno una prova'.

Formal/Journalistic

"Giocare sulle coincidenze"

— To play on/exploit coincidences. To take advantage of accidental timing.

Il politico ha giocato sulle coincidenze per vincere.

Neutral

"Coincidenza degli opposti"

— The coincidence of opposites. A philosophical idea where opposites meet.

Nel suo quadro vediamo la coincidenza degli opposti.

Academic/Artistic

"Perdere l'ultima coincidenza"

— To miss the last connection. Often used metaphorically for missing a final opportunity.

Se non accetti ora, perderai l'ultima coincidenza.

Neutral/Metaphorical

"Vivere di coincidenze"

— To live by coincidences. To rely on luck rather than planning.

Non puoi vivere di coincidenze tutta la vita.

Informal

"Una coincidenza agghiacciante"

— A chilling coincidence. A coincidence that is scary or disturbing.

È stata una coincidenza agghiacciante trovarlo lì.

Neutral

"Coincidenza di destini"

— Coincidence of fates. When two people's lives follow a similar accidental path.

La loro coincidenza di destini è commovente.

Literary

"Non lasciare nulla alla coincidenza"

— Leave nothing to coincidence. To plan everything perfectly.

Dobbiamo organizzare tutto e non lasciare nulla alla coincidenza.

Formal

"Una fortuita coincidenza"

— A fortuitous coincidence. A lucky accident.

Grazie a una fortuita coincidenza, ho vinto il premio.

Formal

"Sfidare le coincidenze"

— To defy coincidences. To act against what seems to be a pattern of luck or fate.

Ha deciso di sfidare le coincidenze e partire comunque.

Literary

Easily Confused

coincidenza vs Corrispondenza

Both can mean 'connection' or 'agreement'.

'Coincidenza' is standard for transport; 'corrispondenza' is more formal or refers to mail/logic.

La corrispondenza epistolare (mail); La coincidenza del treno (train).

coincidenza vs Casualità

Both relate to chance.

'Casualità' is the abstract concept of randomness; 'coincidenza' is a specific instance of it.

La casualità del destino; Una coincidenza fortunata.

coincidenza vs Simultaneità

Both mean things happening at the same time.

'Simultaneità' is purely about time; 'coincidenza' usually implies a meaningful or surprising link.

La simultaneità degli spari; Una coincidenza di date.

coincidenza vs Accordo

Used in the sense of 'coincidence of views'.

'Accordo' is a deliberate pact; 'coincidenza' is a state of being in agreement (often by chance).

Abbiamo firmato l'accordo; C'è una coincidenza di vedute.

coincidenza vs Eventualità

Both relate to things happening.

'Eventualità' is a possibility or something that might happen; 'coincidenza' is something that has happened.

In caso di eventualità; Che coincidenza!

Sentence Patterns

Ho [verb] la coincidenza.

Ho perso la coincidenza.

Che [adjective] coincidenza!

Che bella coincidenza!

Per [adjective] coincidenza, [clause].

Per una strana coincidenza, eravamo lì.

Non credo che [subjunctive] una coincidenza.

Non credo che sia una coincidenza.

Si è verificata una coincidenza tra [noun] e [noun].

Si è verificata una coincidenza tra i due eventi.

Agire in coincidenza con [noun].

Hanno agito in coincidenza con il piano.

La coincidenza di [abstract noun] suggerisce [clause].

La coincidenza di intenti suggerisce un accordo segreto.

Nulla è lasciato alla coincidenza.

In questo progetto, nulla è lasciato alla coincidenza.

Word Family

Nouns

Coincidenza (the coincidence)

Coincidere (the act of coinciding - infinitive as noun)

Verbs

Coincidere (to coincide, to match, to overlap)

Adjectives

Coincidente (coincident, overlapping)

Casualistico (relating to chance/casuistry)

Caso

Destino

Sincronia

Contemporaneità

Corrispondenza

How to Use It

frequency

High (Top 2000 words in Italian).

Common Mistakes

Ho perso la connessione del treno. → Ho perso la coincidenza del treno.
In Italian, 'coincidenza' is the specific term for travel transfers. 'Connessione' is for technology.
È stata una coincidenze. → È stata una coincidenza.
Matching the singular article 'una' with the singular noun 'coincidenza'.
Ci siamo visti da coincidenza. → Ci siamo visti per coincidenza.
The correct preposition for 'by coincidence' is 'per', not 'da'.
Lui ha una coincidenza di veduta con me. → Lui ha una coincidenza di vedute con me.
The idiom 'coincidenza di vedute' (coincidence of views) is always plural.
Ho comprato questo libro coincidenza. → Ho comprato questo libro per coincidenza.
You need the preposition 'per' to link the adverbial meaning to the verb.

Tips

Gender and Number

Always remember 'coincidenza' is feminine. Use 'la' and 'una'. If you have many, they are 'le coincidenze'.

Train Station Tip

If your train is late, ask the conductor: 'Il treno aspetta la coincidenza?'. This asks if the connecting train will wait for you.

Pronunciation Trick

Tap your foot five times as you say CO-IN-CI-DEN-ZA. This helps you maintain the rhythm of the syllables.

Beyond Trains

Don't just use it for travel! Use it to describe life's surprises. It makes your Italian sound more expressive and human.

Suspicious Timing

Use 'Non è una coincidenza che...' to introduce a logical point in an essay. It's a very effective rhetorical tool.

Social Rapport

Saying 'Che coincidenza!' is a great way to bond with Italians. It shows you are engaged in the conversation and notice patterns.

Two Elements

A coincidence requires two things. If only one thing happens, it's just an 'evento' or 'caso'.

Business Italian

In meetings, use 'coincidenza di interessi' to describe a win-win situation where both parties' goals align.

Announcement Keywords

At the station, listen for 'passeggeri in coincidenza'. That's the signal for people needing to change trains.

The Adjective 'Pura'

Adding 'pura' (pure) before 'coincidenza' emphasizes that it was 100% accidental. It's a very common native-sounding collocation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'CO-IN-CI-DENZA'. 'CO' means together, 'IN' means in, 'CI' sounds like 'see'. 'Together in seeing' (the same thing happening). Or think of 'CO-INCIDENT' but with an Italian 'A' at the end.

Visual Association

Imagine two trains arriving at the same platform at the same time, their doors opening together. One is the 'chance' train, the other is the 'transport' train.

Word Web

Treno Caso Orario Destino Ritardo Incontro Sincronia Binario

Challenge

Try to use 'coincidenza' in three different ways today: once for a train, once for a lucky meeting, and once to say 'it's not a coincidence that...'

Word Origin

From the Medieval Latin 'coincidere', which is a combination of 'co-' (together) and 'incidere' (to fall into, to happen). It literally means 'to fall together' or 'to happen at the same time'.

Original meaning: To fall together, to occur simultaneously.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be careful using 'coincidenza' to dismiss someone's hard work, as it can sound dismissive.

English speakers use 'connection' for travel; Italians use 'coincidenza'. Using 'connessione' for a train will mark you as a foreigner.

The film 'Coincidenze' (2010), a short film about fate. The song 'Coincidenza' by various Italian pop artists. Italo Calvino's stories often feature 'coincidenze' as plot devices.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Train Station

Ho una coincidenza per Roma?
Quanto tempo ho per la coincidenza?
Il treno aspetta la coincidenza?
Ho perso la coincidenza.

In a Social Meeting

Ma che coincidenza!
Che strana coincidenza incontrarti qui.
È una coincidenza incredibile.
Ci siamo visti per coincidenza.

In a Business Meeting

C'è una coincidenza di vedute.
I nostri interessi sono in coincidenza.
Non è una coincidenza che i ricavi siano aumentati.
Dobbiamo cercare una coincidenza di intenti.

In Scientific Research

Esiste una coincidenza temporale.
I dati mostrano una coincidenza perfetta.
Si tratta di una coincidenza statistica.
La coincidenza dei risultati è significativa.

Discussing Philosophy/Fate

Non credo nelle coincidenze.
Le coincidenze sono i segnali del destino.
La coincidenza degli opposti.
Tutto accade per coincidenza?

Conversation Starters

"Ti è mai capitata una coincidenza così strana da non poterci credere?"

"Credi che le coincidenze siano solo casuali o che abbiano un significato?"

"Qual è stata la coincidenza più incredibile della tua vita finora?"

"Hai mai perso una coincidenza importante per colpa di un piccolo ritardo?"

"Pensi che incontrare qualcuno per coincidenza possa cambiare il corso della vita?"

Journal Prompts

Descrivi una volta in cui una coincidenza fortunata ha risolto un tuo problema.

Rifletti sul significato delle coincidenze: sono frutto del caso o del destino?

Scrivi un racconto breve che inizi con la frase: 'Per una strana coincidenza, quel giorno presi il treno sbagliato'.

Parla di un momento in cui hai perso una coincidenza e di come questo ha influenzato la tua giornata.

Analizza una 'coincidenza di vedute' che hai avuto recentemente con qualcuno e cosa ha prodotto.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is better to use 'coincidenza'. While people will understand you, 'connessione' refers to technical or abstract links, not scheduled transport. Using 'coincidenza' makes you sound like a native speaker.

Not necessarily. It can be negative (missing a connection) or suspicious (a 'coincidenza sospetta'). It simply describes the fact of events happening together, regardless of their value.

The plural is 'coincidenze'. Example: 'Le coincidenze sono incredibili' (Coincidences are incredible).

You say 'per coincidenza' or 'per una coincidenza'. Avoid saying 'da coincidenza' or 'con coincidenza'.

No, 'luck' is 'fortuna'. A 'coincidenza' can be lucky ('fortunata'), but it is the event itself, not the quality of luck.

It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, in very formal academic writing, 'concomitanza' is often preferred.

Italians often value the social and mystical aspects of chance encounters. Saying 'Che coincidenza!' is a way to build rapport and acknowledge a shared surprising moment.

Yes, it applies to trains, buses, planes, and even ferries. Any scheduled transport link is a 'coincidenza'.

It means having the same opinion or perspective as someone else, literally a 'coincidence of views'.

Yes, the verb is 'coincidere' (to coincide). Example: 'I nostri orari coincidono' (Our schedules coincide).