(xiè) - To meet unexpectedly & to encounter by chance

Tone 4

xiè | 16 strokes | radical:

· xiè

To meet unexpectedly;

to encounter by chance;

used primarily in the compound word 邂逅.

To meet unexpectedlyto encounter by chanceused primarily in the compound word 邂逅.

Usage highlights

chance encounterunexpected meetingto meet unexpectedlyfated encountercasual meeting

Synonyms

  • to meet, encounter
  • to meet, come across
  • to meet, gather

Antonyms

  • to part, separate
  • to leave, depart

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We met by chance on the street (邂逅在街头).
  • It was an unexpected encounter (这是一次邂逅).
  • They had a chance meeting at the airport (他们在机场邂逅).

Collocations

  • chance encounter(邂逅)
  • unexpected meeting(邂遇)
  • to meet unexpectedly(邂逢)
  • fated encounter(邂遘)
  • casual meeting(邂觏)

Idioms

  • To meet by chance(邂逅相遇)
  • An unexpected encounter(不期而邂)
  • Chance meeting and acquaintance(邂逅相识)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Primarily appears in classical Chinese literature and poetry to describe serendipitous encounters.
  • Often carries romantic connotations of fate and destiny in modern usage.
  • The character is rarely used alone and almost always appears in the compound 邂逅.

FAQ