ワンチャン

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one chance, maybe, one-night stand
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/wan.tɕaɴ/
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It refers to a small possibility, an occasional chance, and can also denote a brief romantic encounter.

Examples

  • 彼が来るワンチャンは低い。
    There is maybe that he will come.
  • 明日、試合が中止になるワンチャンがある。
    There is maybe that the match will be cancelled tomorrow.
  • 映画のシーンのようにワンチャンが起きた。
    A one-night stand happened like in the movie scene.
  • 彼女はワンチャンに興味がない。
    She is not interested in a one-night stand.
  • 雨が止むワンチャンがあるから、外で遊ぼう。
    Since there is maybe that the rain will stop, let's play outside.

Similar words

たぶん
望み
かもしれない
もしかしたら
チャンスがある
おそらく
期待
チャンス
フラッシュ
一時的な関係

Meanings

One chance

noun
everyday
neutral
A single opportunity or possibility, often small.

Examples

  • このプロジェクトにワンチャンがある。
    There is one chance for this project.
  • 試合に勝つワンチャンは低いが、諦めない。
    The one chance to win the match is low, but we won't give up.
  • 宝くじに当たるワンチャンはほとんどない。
    There is almost no one chance to win the lottery.
  • 彼に告白するワンチャンを逃した。
    I missed the one chance to confess to him.
  • この仕事を手に入れるワンチャンが残っている。
    A one chance to get this job remains.
  • 雨が止むワンチャンがあるので、ピクニックを計画しよう。
    Since there is a one chance that the rain will stop, let's plan a picnic.
  • 試験で合格するワンチャンは自分の努力次第だ。
    The one chance to pass the exam depends on my effort.

Similar words

Maybe

adverb
everyday
informal
Used to indicate that something might happen, though unlikely.

Examples

  • 明日、試合が中止になるワンチャンがある。
    There is maybe that the match will be cancelled tomorrow.
  • 彼が来るワンチャンは低い。
    There is maybe that he will come.
  • この料理が好きになるワンチャンはある。
    There is maybe that you'll like this dish.
  • 雨が止むワンチャンがあるから、外で遊ぼう。
    Since there is maybe that the rain will stop, let's play outside.
  • 試験に合格するワンチャンはあるが、頑張らないと。
    There is maybe that you'll pass the exam, but you need to work.
  • 新しい仕事が見つかるワンチャンがある。
    There is maybe that you'll find a new job.
  • 彼女が笑うワンチャンがあるので、ジョークを言う。
    There is maybe that she will laugh, so tell a joke.

Similar words

One-night stand

noun
social
informal
A brief sexual encounter, often implied.

Examples

  • 昨日のバーでワンチャンがあった。
    There was a one-night stand at the bar last night.
  • 彼はワンチャンだけで関係を続けたくないと言った。
    He said he doesn't want to continue the one-night stand.
  • 週末にワンチャンを探すのは危険だ。
    Looking for a one-night stand on the weekend is risky.
  • 彼女はワンチャンに興味がない。
    She is not interested in a one-night stand.
  • 友達の紹介でワンチャンが始まった。
    A one-night stand started through a friend's introduction.
  • 映画のシーンのようにワンチャンが起きた。
    A one-night stand happened like in the movie scene.
  • 朝までワンチャンで盛り上がった。
    We partied with a one-night stand until morning.

Similar words

Etymology

From English “one chance”, clipped from the wasei‑eigo phrase ワンチャンス.

FAQ

What does ワンチャン mean?

It means a small chance or possibility, and can also refer to a brief romantic encounter.

Is ワンチャン a noun or an adverb?

It mainly functions as a noun, but appears in adverbial constructions like ワンチャンがある.

Where does the word ワンチャン come from?

It is a clipping of the wasei‑eigo ワンチャンス, itself taken from the English phrase “one chance”.

Can I use ワンチャン to say something is certain?

No, ワンチャン expresses uncertainty, not certainty.

Is ワンチャン appropriate in formal writing?

It is informal slang, so it is best used in casual conversation rather than formal texts.

How do I say there is a chance in Japanese without ワンチャン?

You can use expressions like 可能性がある or チャンスがある.

Does ワンチャン also refer to a dog?

The similar term ワンちゃん refers to a dog; ワンチャン is unrelated.

What is the difference between ワンチャン and ワンチャンス?

ワンチャン is the shortened slang form, while ワンチャンス is the full borrowed phrase.

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