also: えに · えにし · え
noun
Refers to a mysterious force that brings people together, often in a romantic or spiritual context. Common in phrases like 縁がある (to have a connection by fate) and 縁を感じる (to feel destined).
彼との出会いは、何かの縁だと思う。
I think meeting him was some kind of fate.
この土地には不思議な縁を感じる。
I feel a mysterious connection to this land.
noun
relationship; bond; ties
Covers personal relationships, family ties, and broader connections. Often used with ～の縁 or in compounds like 血縁 (blood relation). Sense 3 (family ties) is a subset of this broader relationship meaning.
私たちは長い縁で結ばれている。
We are bound by a long-standing relationship.
彼とは仕事の縁で知り合った。
I got to know him through a work connection.
noun
opportunity; chance to connect
Only with reading えん
Specifically refers to a chance to meet someone and start a relationship. Often used in phrases like 縁があれば (if the opportunity arises). Restricted to reading えん.
またお会いできる縁があれば嬉しいです。
I would be happy if we have the chance to meet again.
noun
pratyaya; indirect condition (Buddhism)
Only with reading えん
Buddhist term for indirect conditions, as opposed to direct causes (因). Technical and domain-specific. Restricted to reading えん.
See also: 因
仏教では、因と縁によってすべての現象が生じると説く。
Buddhism teaches that all phenomena arise from direct causes and indirect conditions.
noun
narrow veranda; open-air corridor
Only with reading えん
Architectural term for a narrow open-air veranda, also written as 椽. Restricted to reading えん. Rare in modern usage.
古い日本家屋には、縁側と呼ばれる縁があった。
Old Japanese houses had a narrow veranda called an engawa.
Shortened reading; mostly found in old texts or set phrases.
Kana spelling for the reading えにし, often used in poetic or literary contexts for fate/destiny.
Ateji spelling; rarely used.
Archaic or poetic reading; rarely used in modern Japanese.
In Buddhism, 因 (いん) refers to direct causes, while 縁 (えん) refers to indirect conditions. Together they explain causality.
運命 is a more general term for fate or destiny, often implying a predetermined life course. 縁 emphasizes the mysterious force that connects people or events.
関係 is a neutral, everyday word for relationship or connection. 縁 carries a nuance of fate or deeper bond.
The kanji 縁 originally referred to the edge or hem of clothing, later extended to mean connection or bond. The Buddhist sense derives from Sanskrit pratyaya. The reading えにし is an ancient form, while えん is the Sino-Japanese reading.