also: いんえん
noun
fate; destiny; karmic connection
Refers to a deep, often mysterious bond between people or events, implying a predestined relationship. Common in phrases like 因縁がある (to have a fated connection).
彼との出会いは何かの因縁を感じる。
I feel some kind of fate in meeting him.
この土
I have a deep karmic connection with this land.
noun
A more general sense of a link or relationship, sometimes with a nuance of historical or causal origin. Can be used for both positive and negative ties.
この事件の因縁を調べる必要がある。
We need to investigate the origins of this incident.
両家の因縁は何世代も続いている。
The ties between the two families have lasted for generations.
noun
pretext; justification; excuse
Often used in negative contexts where someone uses a past connection or grudge as a pretext for conflict. Common in 因縁をつける (to pick a fight on a pretext).
彼は因縁をつけて喧嘩を売ってきた。
He picked a fight with me on some pretext.
そんな因縁で人を責めるのはおかしい。
It's wrong to blame someone on such a flimsy excuse.
noun
hetu and prataya; direct and indirect causes
Buddhist technical term for the direct and indirect causes underlying all phenomena. Rare outside specialized contexts.
仏教では、因縁によってすべての現象が生じると説く。
Buddhism teaches that all phenomena arise through direct and indirect causes.