絆
Meanings
1
bond; ties; connection
Refers to emotional bonds between people, such as family, friendship, or shared experience. Often used in positive contexts.
Family bonds are more important than anything.
A strong bond developed through years of friendship.
2
Original literal meaning: a rope or chain used to tie an animal. Now mostly literary or metaphorical, often implying a restrictive bond.
He is bound by the fetters of the past.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉と〈人〉の絆を深めるto deepen the bond between people
By overcoming hardships together, we deepened our family bond.
- 絆を断つto cut the tether/bond (literary)
He cut his ties with his hometown and set off far away.
- 〈人〉と〈人〉が絆で結ばれるto be tied together by a bond
The two of them are bound together by a long-standing friendship.
- 絆が強いthe bond is strong
Their bond is very strong.
- 〈事〉に絆を感じるto feel a bond (in something)
Working on the same team, I came to feel a bond with my colleagues.