verb / noun HSK 5
to meet by chance · to run into · chance encounter · coincidental meeting
Meaning
巧遇 describes an unexpected meeting with someone, typically a pleasant surprise. It combines 巧 (clever, coincidental) with 遇 (to meet), emphasizing the accidental or serendipitous nature of the encounter.
Usage
This is a somewhat literary or formal term compared to casual expressions like 碰到. It's commonly used when recounting stories about running into old friends, acquaintances, or notable people unexpectedly. Native speakers often use it when the coincidence feels meaningful or noteworthy.
Examples
- 01我昨天在超市巧遇了多年不见的大学同学。.Yesterday I ran into a college classmate I hadn't seen in years at the supermarket.
- 02没想到能在巴黎巧遇你，真是太巧了！, !I never expected to run into you in Paris, what a coincidence!
Characters
Measure words
- 次一次巧遇
Common collocations
- 巧遇老友to run into an old friend by chance
- 一次巧遇a chance encounter
- 巧遇了happened to meet
Antonyms
Origin
巧 originally meant 'skillful' but developed the meaning of 'coincidental' or 'opportune.' Combined with 遇 (to meet), it emphasizes meetings that happen by fortunate chance rather than by plan.