This is the 2871st most frequent Japanese word.
たまたま
"By chance" or "coincidentally."
In this sentence, 'たまたま' indicates coincidence or happening by chance.
たまたま駅前で友達に会いました。
I happened to meet a friend in front of the station.
Here, 'たまたま' again conveys the idea of occurrence by coincidence or accident.
たまたまその話を聞いて、驚きました。
I happened to hear that story and was surprised.
In this case, 'たまたま' suggests a coincidental occurrence corresponding to the timing of the action.