成(な)り行(ゆ)き

なりゆき
noun
outcome; course of events; development
1. outcome; course of events
The natural progression or development of a situation; how things turn out.
成(な)り行(ゆ)きを見守(みまも)る。
To watch how things develop./To wait and see.
事件(じけん)の成(な)り行(ゆ)きが気(き)になる。
I'm curious about how the case will develop.
交渉(こうしょう)の成(な)り行(ゆ)き次第(しだい)で方針(ほうしん)を決(き)める。
We'll decide our policy depending on how the negotiations go.
2. circumstances; by chance
Letting events unfold naturally without active intervention.
成(な)り行(ゆ)きに任(まか)せる。
To let things take their course.
成(な)り行(ゆ)きで付(つ)き合(あ)うことになった。
We ended up dating by circumstance./Things just happened that way.
特(とく)に計画(けいかく)はなく、成(な)り行(ゆ)きで旅(たび)をした。
I had no particular plan and just traveled as things came.

Etymology

成(な)り (becoming) + 行(ゆ)き (going) → how things become/go = course of events

Common expressions

USAGE (finance):
成(な)り行(ゆ)き注文(ちゅうもん) refers to a "market order" in stock trading—buying or selling at the current market price rather than a specific price.

Usage

Suggests a passive approach, letting events unfold naturally rather than actively controlling them. Can imply either wise patience or lack of initiative depending on context.

Related Words

Related: 結果(けっか) (result)
Related: 経過(けいか) (course, progress)
general
Added 2026.1.19 13:10 · Revised 2026.10.11 21:20
07000/07311_nariyuki