우연히
By chance, accidentally, or unexpectedly. Often used in TOEFL listening narratives or history passages about accidental discoveries.
Examples
3 of 5우연히 라디오에서 그 노래를 들었어요.
I happened to hear that song on the radio.
본 발견은 실험 도중 우연히 이루어졌습니다.
This discovery was made by chance during an experiment.
어제 우연히 너 봤어!
I saw you by chance yesterday!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Woo' as 'Whoa!' - the sound of surprise when something happens by chance.
Quick Quiz
서점에서 ____ 내가 좋아하는 작가를 만났다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 우연히
Examples
우연히 라디오에서 그 노래를 들었어요.
everydayI happened to hear that song on the radio.
본 발견은 실험 도중 우연히 이루어졌습니다.
formalThis discovery was made by chance during an experiment.
어제 우연히 너 봤어!
informalI saw you by chance yesterday!
플레밍은 우연히 페니실린을 발견하게 되었다.
academicFleming came to discover penicillin by accident.
우연히 좋은 기회를 얻어 사업을 시작했습니다.
businessI started the business after getting a good opportunity by chance.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
우연의 일치
coincidence
우연한 기회
chance opportunity
순전히 우연히
purely by chance
Often Confused With
당연히 means 'naturally/of course', while 우연히 means 'by chance'.
Usage Notes
Used to describe events that happen without planning or intent.
Common Mistakes
Do not confuse with '의도적으로' (intentionally).
Memory Tip
Think of 'Woo' as 'Whoa!' - the sound of surprise when something happens by chance.
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean 偶 (accidental) and 然 (so).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
서점에서 ____ 내가 좋아하는 작가를 만났다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 우연히
Related Vocabulary
More general words
특별하다
B1Not ordinary or usual; different from what is common. Used in IELTS to describe unique experiences, festivals, or people.
평범하다
B1Not different or special; ordinary. Used to describe a typical day or a normal background in IELTS Speaking.
탁월하다
B2To be far superior to others; outstanding or excellent.
점진적
B2Progressing or changing steadily and gradually in stages rather than suddenly. This term is essential for IELTS Task 1 when describing trends that move slowly but consistently over time.
완만하다
B2To be gentle, sloping, or steady rather than steep or sudden. It is frequently used to describe gradients in graphs or slow changes in data.
유연하다
B2To be flexible, pliable, or adaptable. In academic and business contexts, it refers to the ability to adapt to new situations or changing circumstances without being rigid.
절대적
B2Being unconditional, unlimited, or not relative to anything else. It describes something that is certain, total, or supreme without comparison.
일환
B2A part of a larger plan, project, or series of events; literally 'one link in a chain'.
원동력
B2The fundamental force or motive power that drives an activity, development, or change.
중추
B2The most important or central part that plays a leading role in a system or organization.
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