Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Random; Fortuitous: Occurring or done without a definite plan, pattern, or purpose; happening by chance.
   • Incidental; Occasional: Happening or existing only in connection with something else, not as a regular or intended part.

2. Adverb:

   • By chance; Accidentally; Randomly: In a way that happens without intention or premeditation.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Đây là một cuộc gặp gỡ ngẫu nhiên. (This is a random/fortuitous meeting.)
  • Anh ta chỉ là một nhân chứng ngẫu nhiên. (He is merely an incidental witness.)

• Adverb:

  • Tôi ngẫu nhiên tìm thấy cuốn sách cũ này. (I found this old book by chance.)
  • Các mẫu vật được chọn một cách ngẫu nhiên. (The samples were selected randomly.)

Advanced Usage

• In philosophy and statistics, "ngẫu nhiên" describes events governed by probability, not determinism.
  • Biến cố ngẫu nhiên (Random event)
  • Lấy mẫu ngẫu nhiên (Random sampling)

Variants and Related Words

• Tình cờ (adj/adv): Coincidental; by coincidence. Often used interchangeably with "ngẫu nhiên" in casual speech but can imply a more surprising coincidence.
• Ngẫu nhiên tính (n): Randomness.
• Ngẫu hứng (adj/adv): Impromptu; on a spontaneous impulse (often related to art or action).

Synonyms

• Random
• Fortuitous
• Accidental
• Chance (as an adjective, e.g., a chance encounter)
• Incidental

Antonyms

• Cố ý (Deliberate; intentional)
• Chủ định (Premeditated; intended)
• Có kế hoạch (Planned)
• Tất nhiên (Inevitable; necessary)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Ngẫu nhiên gặp nhau: To meet by sheer chance.
  • Chúng tôi ngẫu nhiên gặp nhau ở ga tàu. (We met by sheer chance at the train station.)
• Sự trùng hợp ngẫu nhiên: A random coincidence.
  • Đó chỉ là một sự trùng hợp ngẫu nhiên. (That is just a random coincidence.)

1. by accident; by chance; accidental