良縁(りょうえん)

りょうえん
noun
good match; advantageous marriage; fortunate connection
culturesociety
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)に恵(めぐ)まれる。
To be blessed with a good match.
娘(むすめ)に良縁(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)は良縁(りょうえん)の御利益(ごりやく)があると言(い)われている。
That shrine is said to bring blessings for finding a good partner.

Composed of 良(りょう) (good) + 縁(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 縁(えん) — the idea that meaningful relationships are shaped by fate.

Common collocations

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.