1.
perfect synchronization; tacit understanding; unspoken coordination
The ability of two people to act in perfect harmony without needing verbal communication. Implies a deep, intuitive mutual understanding built through long experience together.
あの二人は阿吽の呼吸だ。
Those two are in perfect sync.
長年の夫婦ならではの阿吽の呼吸で動く。
They move with the unspoken coordination that only comes from years of marriage.
漫才コンビが阿吽の呼吸でボケとツッコミを繰り広げた。
The comedy duo performed their boke and tsukkomi routine in perfect synchronization.
ETYMOLOGY:
From Buddhist terminology. 阿 (a) and 吽 (un) represent the first and last sounds of the Sanskrit alphabet, symbolizing the beginning and end of all things. The 阿 figure at a temple has an open mouth and the 吽 figure has a closed mouth, representing perfect complementarity.
USAGE:
Used to praise the seamless cooperation between partners, teammates, or long-time colleagues. Implies that communication happens at an intuitive level beyond words.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 阿吽の呼吸で動く (to move in perfect sync)
- 阿吽の呼吸が合う (to be in sync)