Azar vs casualidad

Question

Got the word of the day, "el azar." I had been using "casualidad." When to use which? I run into this often, and the Spanishdict word of the day prompts quite a few--e.g., "el arca" was a word of the day recently, I had been using "caja fuerte."

Answer 1

Got the word of the day, "el azar."

If that's what it gave for "by chance," I think that's a mistake, and it should be "al azar." Also used as "por azar."

Of course, "el azar" is correct in other meanings.

Answer 2

Daniel said:

This is a little side-note of no importance.

"Por casualidad" is in my spanish phrase Tool Box, and I pull it out often. However my favorite is "sin ningún duda". I make a effort to slip this into my conversations -- I just love to say it. I even use it just as a stand alone response "Sin ningún duda."

I bet this seems silly to you advandced and native speakers: but if I can't be silly, what would you have me be?

"sin duda" is more refined, and also works

Answer 3

This is a little side-note of no importance.

"Por casualidad" is in my spanish phrase Tool Box, and I pull it out often. However my favorite is "sin ningún duda". I make a effort to slip this into my conversations -- I just love to say it. I even use it just as a stand alone response "Sin ningún duda."

I bet this seems silly to you advandced and native speakers: but if I can't be silly, what would you have me be'

Answer 4

the idea of "por casualidad" as i understand it in provincial mexican usage,
is more materialistic and utilitarian, the old sir isaac newton universe with
large numbers of discrete entities interacting-at-a-distance in a blank space.

"el azar" has got to be from the arabic of andelusian philosopher ib'n al arabi
as such, this word reflects a profound "One God" idea of how the universe is.
azar, to me is a common word, close in meaning to the english word hazard

"jugar al azar" is the common country way to speak about gambling whether
the baraja raffles at the jaripeos or betting on roosters at home town palenque

Answer 5

both terms are current in mexico parlance

caja fuerte more popular utilitarian

arca is more exotic, in the direction of "treasure house"
also arca possesses distinct biblical connotation
deriving from the famous tory of "El Arca de Nohé"

Answer 6

I don't think the Word of the Day meant to imply that either of those is wrong. I have seen "caja fuerte" on a sign in a business before (employees cannot open the safe after 10 pm, or something like that). Agreed, some clarification from native Spanish speakers would be helpful.

Daniel said:

I am with you. I have been using "por casualidad" and "caja fuerte".

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Answer 7

I am with you. I have been using "por casualidad" and "caja fuerte".