noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
good relationship; harmonious bond
Refers to a naturally compatible, harmonious relationship between people, often implying a fated or easy connection.
あの二人は合縁がいいから、一緒に仕事をするとうまくいく。
Those two have a good relationship, so when they work together things go smoothly.
合縁奇縁という言葉もあるように、人との縁は不思議なものだ。
As the saying 'aien kien' suggests, the bonds between people are mysterious things.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
affectionate relationship; loving bond
Only when written 愛縁
Archaic sense, specifically written as 愛縁. Refers to a relationship characterized by love and affection, not just general compatibility.
古文書には「愛縁」という語が夫婦の深い情を表すのに使われている。
In old documents, the word 'aien' (written 愛縁) is used to express the deep affection between husband and wife.
Compound of 合 (ai, 'mutual') + 縁 (en, 'fate, connection'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word has been used in Japanese to describe a naturally good relationship, often appearing in the phrase 合縁奇縁 (aien kien).