一期一会(いちごいちえ)

いちごいちえ
noun, expression
once-in-a-lifetime encounter
1. once-in-a-lifetime encounter
A concept from tea ceremony emphasizing that each meeting is unique and should be treasured. Every encounter is a singular, irreplaceable experience.
一期一会(いちごいちえ)を大切(たいせつ)にしたい。
I want to treasure every encounter.
旅(たび)での出会(であ)いは一期一会(いちごいちえ)だ。
Encounters during travel are once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
一期一会(いちごいちえ)の精神(せいしん)でお客様(おきゃくさま)をもてなす。
We serve customers with the spirit of treasuring each encounter.

一期一会(いちごいちえ) is a four-character idiom (四字熟語(よじじゅくご)) meaning "once in a lifetime encounter."

ORIGIN:
From Japanese tea ceremony (茶道(さどう)), attributed to the tea master 千利休(せんのりきゅう). Literally means "one lifetime, one meeting."

CORE MEANING:
Every encounter is unique and will never happen again exactly the same way. Emphasizes treating each meeting with full attention and appreciation.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

USAGE:
Commonly used in hospitality, customer service, and when reflecting on meaningful encounters. Also appears as a life philosophy emphasizing mindfulness and living in the present.

general
Added 2026.1.16 8:52 · Revised 2026.6.3 1:22
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