一期一会
Meanings
1
once-in-a-lifetime encounter; treasuring every meeting as unique
A yojijukugo originating from tea ceremony philosophy, emphasizing that each encounter is unique and should be cherished. Often used to describe the importance of being fully present in the moment.
Encounters during travel are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
With the spirit of treasuring every encounter as unique, I want to value my daily interactions with people.
Usage patterns
- 一期一会の精神で〈動詞〉to do something in the spirit of treasuring each encounter as unique
I try to cherish every encounter each day, in the spirit of ichigo ichie.
- 〈人〉との出会いを一期一会だと思うto regard a meeting with someone as a once-in-a-lifetime encounter
I treated my meeting with her as a once-in-a-lifetime encounter and cherished every moment.
- 一期一会の〈事〉a once-in-a-lifetime (encounter/experience)
This tea gathering was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.