When using "azar"

Question

Can I use azar in the same way we use it in english with "by chance" ?

Por ejemplo, en inglés, se dice: Do you by chance know what time it is? Entonces, se puede decir: Por azar, tienes la hora?

Or can I only use azar in a literal way? Opinions?

Answer 1

Por azar, tienes la hora?

It sounds more like you want "Tal vez"

Answer 2

I think that azar is probably used more in the sense of random acts of nature or in a less whimsical sense. I think it is probably more along the lines of by fate - nada ocurre por azar (and only by chance in a more scientific context) Here is an interesting poem that uses the phrase, "No por azar, por gusto del dislante"

I have to agree with qfreed. I think that tal vez is probably what you are after here.

Poems will be my downfall! hahaha, but they're so helpful with expressions. Thank you so much! I'll look into it! - Cachai, SEP 8, 2009

Answer 3

I always thought that "by chance" was "por curiosidad".

Do I use that or "tal vez"?

Answer 4

You can say... Trata de acertar cuál es la hora, cachai?

si, lo cacho ;) Gracias!! - Cachai, SEP 8, 2009