ご縁(えん)

ごえん
noun
fate; connection; karmic bond (polite)
1. fate; destined connection
polite form of 縁(えん); refers to the concept of predestined connections between people, things, or places; a Buddhist-derived concept of karmic relationships
ご縁(えん)がありましたら。
If fate allows (if we have a connection).
ご縁(えん)があって入社(にゅうしゃ)しました。
Fate led me to join this company.
ご縁(えん)を大切(たいせつ)にしたいです。
I want to cherish this connection.

CULTURAL CONCEPT:
ご縁(えん) expresses the Japanese/Buddhist concept that meaningful connections between people are predestined. It's used to appreciate relationships and opportunities that came about seemingly by fate.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • ご縁(えん)がありましたら - if we have a connection/if fate allows
  • ご縁(えん)があって - thanks to fate/coincidence
  • ご縁(えん)を大切(たいせつ)にする - to cherish connections
  • ご縁(えん)がない - have no connection (with)

5円(えん) WORDPLAY:
At shrines, people often offer 5円(えん) coins because 五円(ごえん) sounds like ご縁(えん), symbolizing a wish for good connections.

RELATED TERMS:

  • 縁(えん) - connection, fate
  • 縁結(えんむす)び - matchmaking; tying bonds
  • 縁起(えんぎ) - omen; origin
  • 一期一会(いちごいちえ) - once-in-a-lifetime encounter
general
Added 2026.1.28 13:51
08500/08773_goen