縁(えん)

えん
noun
fate, connection, bond
1. fate, destiny
A connection or relationship determined by fate.
縁(えん)があって出会(であ)った。
We met by fate.
これも何(なに)かの縁(えん)だ。
This too must be fate.
彼(かれ)とは不思議(ふしぎ)な縁(えん)があって、何度(なんど)も偶然(ぐうぜん)会(あ)うことがある。
I have a mysterious connection with him and keep running into him by coincidence.
2. connection, bond
A tie or relationship between people.
縁(えん)を切(き)る。
To sever ties.
縁(えん)を大切(たいせつ)にする。
To cherish one's bonds.
人(ひと)との縁(えん)は一度(いちど)切(き)れると、なかなか元(もと)には戻(もど)らない。
Once bonds with people are severed, they are hard to restore.

縁(えん) refers to fateful connections.

EXPRESSIONS:

  • 縁(えん)がある: to be fated/connected
  • 縁(えん)がない: to have no connection
  • 縁(えん)を結(むす)ぶ: to form a bond

COMPOUNDS:

  • 縁談(えんだん): marriage proposal
  • 縁起(えんぎ): omen, luck
  • 無縁(むえん): unrelated

NOTE:
Also read as 縁(ふち) meaning edge or rim.

general
Added 2026.1.9 21:46 · Revised 2026.2.22 9:25
02000/02182_en