(りょうえん)

りょうえん
noun
good match; advantageous marriage; fortunate connection
1. good match; advantageous marriage; fortunate connection
A fortunate or desirable connection, especially in the context of marriage. Can also refer to a beneficial relationship or encounter in a broader sense.
良縁(りょうえん)(めぐ)まれる。
To be blessed with a good match.
(むすめ)良縁(りょうえん)があればいいのですが。
I hope my daughter finds a good match.
あの神社(じんじゃ)良縁(りょうえん)御利益(ごりやく)があると()われている。
That shrine is said to bring blessings for finding a good partner.

Composed of (りょう) (good) + (えん) (fate, connection, bond). Primarily refers to a desirable marriage partner or marital match, but can extend to any fortunate encounter or connection. Rooted in the Japanese concept of (えん) — the idea that meaningful relationships are shaped by fate.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 良縁(りょうえん)(めぐ)まれる: to be blessed with a good match
  • 良縁(りょうえん)(ねが)う: to pray for a good match
  • 良縁(りょうえん)御利益(ごりやく): blessings for finding a good partner
  • 良縁(りょうえん)(むす)ぶ: to form a good connection

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 縁談(えんだん): marriage proposal / match arrangement — the concrete process of arranging a marriage
  • 縁結(えんむす)び: matchmaking — the act of bringing people together, often associated with shrines
  • 悪縁(あくえん): bad connection — an unfortunate or harmful relationship; the opposite of 良縁(りょうえん)

CULTURAL NOTE:
Many Japanese shrines are known as 縁結(えんむす)び (matchmaking) shrines where visitors pray for 良縁(りょうえん). Famous examples include 出雲大社(いずもたいしゃ) in Shimane and 東京大神宮(とうきょうだいじんぐう) in Tokyo.