happened to know

[onurediperu]

i happened to know Valachi from around Harlem. i dont understand the meaning of happened to in this sentence. if any one could help me understand this phrase, i would be very glad.
thanks in advance

 

[bhaisahab]

I happened to know Valachi from around Harlem. I dont understand the meaning of happened to in this sentence. If any one could help me understand this phrase, I would be very glad.
thanks in advance

"I happened to know..." means "It was the case that I knew..."

 

[magimagicE]

Ask yourself why the author didn't phrase, " happened to know Valachi from around Harlem" differently.

Speak the words out loudly and notice the rhythm of the phrase - you will get a feeling of what the word "happened" imparts to the whole phrase.

In this case it is "by lucky or happy coincidence".