Comparison of "恰巧" and "正好"

In Chinese, both "恰巧" and "正好" express the idea of coincidence or a suitable moment, but they are used in different contexts and have slightly different meanings.

恰巧 (qiàqiǎo)

"恰巧" is an adverb that means "by chance" or "just right." It is used to describe a coincidence, happenstance, or an unexpectedly suitable moment.

• For example: I was just thinking about her, and she happened to come. - 我刚刚在想她，她恰巧来了。(Wǒ gānggāng zài xiǎng tā, tā qiàqiǎo láile.)
• For example: We wanted to call him, but he happened to be here already. - 我们想给他打电话，但他恰巧在这里。(Wǒmen xiǎng gěi tā dǎ diànhuà, dàn tā qiàqiǎo zài zhèlǐ.)

正好 (zhènghǎo)

"正好" is also an adverb that means "just in time" or "exactly right." It is used to describe a situation when something happens at the right moment or is perfectly suitable for the occasion.

• For example: He arrived just when we needed him. - 他正好来的时候我们正需要他。(Tā zhènghǎo lái de shíhòu wǒmen zhèng xūyào tā.)
• For example: You finished cleaning just as the guests arrived. - 你正好打扫完了，客人来了。(Nǐ zhènghǎo dǎsǎo wánle, kèrén láile.)

Main Differences

• Meaning: "恰巧" emphasizes the randomness or unexpectedness of a coincidence, while "正好" emphasizes the suitability to the right moment or situation.