Japanese Symbol for
運命unmei
destiny · fate · fortune
Readings
Meaning
Destiny, fate, fortune. 運命 combines 運 (luck, fortune, to carry) with 命 (life, command, fate) — the course one's life is carried toward. A more fatalistic word than 宿命 (shukumei — predetermined fate).
Example words
宿命
shukumei
fate, destiny (inescapable)
天命
tenmei
heaven's decree, one's fate
運命的
unmei-teki
fateful, destined
縁
en
fate, bond, connection, karma
運命の赤い糸
unmei no akai ito
the red thread of fate
定め
sadame
fate, destiny, karma
運命の赤い糸 (unmei no akai ito — the red thread of fate) is a popular Japanese folk belief that two people destined to meet are connected by an invisible red thread tied to their little fingers. This concept, borrowed from Chinese mythology, is a common theme in Japanese romance manga and anime.
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