also: しょえん
connection; relation; affinity
Refers to a meaningful connection or tie to a person, place, or thing, often with a sense of shared history or fate. Commonly used in phrases like ゆかりの地 (a place with personal or historical ties).
This temple has a historical connection to the Tokugawa family.
This is a place with ties to my grandmother.
I have no connection whatsoever with him.
He is a painter with ties to Kyoto.
I joined a tour that visits places connected to the author.
関係 is a general term for relationship or connection, often neutral or formal, whereas ゆかり carries a nuance of cherished or fateful association.
無縁 means having no connection or relation to something, the direct opposite of the meaningful tie expressed by ゆかり.
violet (color)
Usually written in kana; the kanji spelling 縁 is also used but less common.
Rare kanji spelling; also read しょえん.
Rare reading of 所縁; same meaning as ゆかり.
Kanji spelling; can be confused with 縁 (えん, ふち, etc.).
The exact derivation is uncertain; the word is native Japanese and has been used since classical times to denote a meaningful connection or association.