宿縁(しゅくえん)

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

• 宿縁(しゅくえん)を感(かん)じる: to feel a predestined bond
• 宿縁(しゅくえん)によって: through fate; by karmic connection
• 深(ふか)い宿縁(しゅくえん): deep karmic bond

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