Phrasal Verb: Bump into
English Meaning: Meet by chance
Hindi Meaning: संयोग से मिलना
The phrasal verb “bump into” refers to meeting someone unexpectedly or by chance, often in an unplanned or coincidental way. This phrase is commonly used in informal settings and can refer to any kind of encounter, whether it’s with a friend, acquaintance, or even a stranger.
What Does “Bump into” Mean?
“Bump into” has one main meaning:
- To meet by chance: Coming across someone without planning or expecting it.
In Hindi, “bump into” translates to “संयोग से मिलना” (meeting someone by chance or accident).
Hindi Meaning of “Bump into”
For Hindi speakers, “bump into” can be understood as:
- “संयोग से मिलना” – An accidental or unexpected meeting with someone.
For example:
- “I bumped into my old friend at the store” translates to “मैं दुकान पर अपने पुराने दोस्त से संयोग से मिला।”
- “She bumped into her colleague at the airport” translates to “वह हवाई अड्डे पर अपने सहकर्मी से संयोग से मिली।”
How to Use “Bump into” in Sentences
Below are five practical examples demonstrating the use of “bump into” in different contexts:
Example 1: I bumped into my childhood friend at the mall yesterday.
Hindi: मैं कल मॉल में अपने बचपन के दोस्त से संयोग से मिला।
Example 2: He bumped into a famous actor while traveling in Paris.
Hindi: वह पेरिस यात्रा करते समय एक प्रसिद्ध अभिनेता से संयोग से मिला।
Example 3: She bumped into her professor while having coffee in the cafe.
Hindi: वह कैफ़े में कॉफी पीते समय अपने प्रोफेसर से संयोग से मिली।
Example 4: I can’t believe I bumped into you here after so many years!
Hindi: मुझे विश्वास नहीं हो रहा कि इतने सालों बाद मैं तुम्हें यहाँ संयोग से मिला!
Example 5: We bumped into an old neighbor while walking in the park.
Hindi: हम पार्क में चलते समय एक पुराने पड़ोसी से संयोग से मिले।
Common Mistakes When Using “Bump into”
Incorrect: “I bumped in him at the bus stop.”
Correct: “I bumped into him at the bus stop.”
Incorrect: “She bumped into my friend in the restaurant.”
Correct: “She bumped into my friend at the restaurant.”
Questions for Test
- What does “bump into” mean in the context of meeting an old friend?
- How would you use “bump into” in a sentence about encountering a colleague by chance?
- Translate “I bumped into my teacher at the supermarket” into Hindi.
- Is “bump into” used more in formal or informal conversations?
- Rewrite the sentence “I met my neighbor at the park by chance” using “bump into.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can “bump into” be used in both casual and formal settings?
No, “bump into” is typically used in informal settings. It is more appropriate for casual conversations and is not generally used in formal contexts.
Is there a difference between “bump into” and “run into”?
No, “bump into” and “run into” can both mean the same thing: meeting someone unexpectedly. However, “run into” is also used when referring to a chance encounter, but “bump into” has a slightly softer, more casual feel.
Is “bump into” ever used in written English?
Yes, it is used in informal written communication, like in personal letters, casual emails, or storytelling, but not in formal writing.