per caso
Lemma: per caso
Translation: by chance; accidentally; by any chance; perhaps; maybe (adverbial phrase)
Etymology: This Italian adverbial phrase combines the preposition 'per' (from Latin 'per' meaning 'through', 'by means of') with the noun 'caso' (from Latin 'casus' meaning 'event', 'occurrence', or 'chance'). The English word 'case' shares the same Latin root 'casus'. The phrase literally means 'through chance' or 'by means of chance', evolving to express the concept of something happening without planning or intention.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'per' as 'by' and 'caso' as related to the English word 'case' or 'casualty' - something that happens by chance.
- Imagine a person saying 'per caso' while shrugging their shoulders in that characteristic Italian gesture that suggests something happened unexpectedly.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is very commonly used in everyday Italian conversation, both to express coincidence and as a polite way to ask questions (similar to 'by any chance' in English). It's a versatile expression that Italians use frequently in casual and formal settings alike.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'per caso' means 'by chance' or 'accidentally', 'a caso' means 'randomly' or 'without purpose'. 'Per caso' refers to something happening coincidentally, while 'a caso' refers to doing something without a specific pattern or reason.
Confused word:
Ha scelto un numero a caso.
He chose a number at random.
Notes: Both phrases involve the word 'caso' (chance) but with different prepositions that change the meaning significantly.
Mnemonic: Think of 'per caso' as 'per chance' (by chance) and 'a caso' as 'at random'.
Explanation: 'Per caso' means something happened by chance, without intention, while 'per fortuna' means 'fortunately' or 'luckily' - expressing that something good happened.
This word:
Ho trovato questo libro per caso in biblioteca.
I found this book by chance in the library.
Notes: Both are adverbial phrases starting with 'per', but they convey different attitudes toward the event being described.
Mnemonic: 'Fortuna' sounds like 'fortune' - so 'per fortuna' is about good fortune, while 'per caso' is just about chance (which could be good or bad).