宿縁(しゅくえん)

しゅくえん
noun
predestined bond; fate from a previous life; karmic connection
formalreligionculture
1. predestined bond; fate from a previous life; karmic connection
In Buddhist thought, a connection between people or with events that was fixed in a previous life.
これも宿縁(しゅくえん)だと思(おも)う。
I believe this too is fate.
二人(ふたり)の出会(であ)いは宿縁(しゅくえん)によるものだった。
Their meeting was brought about by a predestined bond.
師匠(ししょう)との宿縁(しゅくえん)を感(かん)じ、弟子入(でしい)りを決意(けつい)した。
Feeling a karmic bond with the master, I resolved to become a disciple.

Rooted in Buddhist thought, this word refers to a connection or relationship believed to be determined by karma from a previous life. Used in both religious and literary contexts to describe encounters or bonds that feel fated.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 縁(えん): connection, fate — a broader, everyday term for interpersonal ties or destiny
  • 因縁(いんねん): karma, fate — can have negative connotations such as a grudge or complaint
  • 運命(うんめい): destiny, fate — a general term not tied to Buddhist concepts
  • 宿命(しゅくめい): fate, destiny — emphasizes something unavoidable, determined before birth

Related Words

Compare: 因縁(いんねん) (karma, fate)
Compare: 運命(うんめい) (destiny, fate)
Compare: 宿命(しゅくめい) (fate, destiny)
general
Added 2026.4.18 6:42 · Revised 2026.10.2 22:37
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