Phrase · B2 · Neutral to informal · common in conversation
run into
Meet someone by chance; also, unexpectedly encounter a problem or difficulty.
slučajno sresti; naići na problem
Memory scene
You turn a bookstore corner and unexpectedly recognize an old friend. The meeting was not in your plans.
How it sounds
run IN-too
Keep into together; the verb forms are run–ran–run.
Build the sentence
run into + person/problem · ran into someone · have run into difficulties
Use it
I ran into Ana at the market, and we stopped for coffee.
The meeting happened by chance; nobody had to be running.
We’ve run into a problem with the payment system.
With problems, the phrase means unexpectedly experience them.
Watch out
Do not separate run and into: I ran into her, not I ran her into. The past is ran; the past participle is run. Context matters: a car running into a wall is a collision, and costs running into thousands are reaching a large amount.
Nearby language
A close conversational alternative for meeting someone by chance.
Works with people or problems but sounds more formal.
Usually suggests getting together deliberately rather than a chance meeting.
Make it yours
Na stanici ste sasvim slučajno sreli bivšeg kolegu.