The Japanese word 邂逅 (かいこう - kaikou)

 The Japanese word 邂逅 (かいこう - kaikou) refers to a chance meeting or an unexpected encounter. It carries a nuance of serendipity and is often used in more formal or literary contexts compared to more common words for meeting like 会う (au).

Here's how to use it:

As a noun:

• 邂逅 can be used directly as a noun meaning "chance meeting" or "encounter."

  • Example: 偶然の邂逅 (guuzen no kaikou) - a chance encounter

As a verb:

• It is most commonly used with the verb する (suru) to form 邂逅する (かいこうする - kaikou suru), meaning "to meet by chance" or "to encounter unexpectedly."

  • Example: 旅先で旧友に邂逅した。(Tabisaki de kyuuyuu ni kaikou shita.) - I met an old friend by chance while traveling.
  • Example: 思わぬ場所で素晴らしい作品に邂逅することがある。(Omowanu basho de subarashii sakuhin ni kaikou suru koto ga aru.) - You can encounter wonderful works in unexpected places.

Nuances and Usage:

• Formality/Literary feel: 邂逅 is generally more formal and has a more elevated or literary feel than everyday words for meeting. You are more likely to encounter it in novels, essays, or formal speeches than in casual conversation.
• Unexpectedness: The core meaning emphasizes the unexpected nature of the meeting. It's not a planned appointment but a meeting that happens by chance.
• Often positive: While not exclusively positive, 邂逅 often implies a significant or meaningful chance encounter, sometimes with a sense of fate or destiny involved.

In summary, 邂逅 is a word to use when you want to express the idea of a significant or unexpected chance meeting, particularly in more formal or literary situations. For everyday encounters, words like 会う (au) or 出会う (deau) are more appropriate.