運命
unmei[ɯ̟̃mːe̞ː]
In Japanese, destiny is expressed as 運命 (unmei).
運命 refers to a predetermined condition, fate or the fixed order of things. It is often used to describe a major turning point or a sense of destiny.
Meaning: predetermined condition, fate, fixed order of things (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 運命 refers to a general sense of destiny or a turning point in life, the term 宿命 (shukumei) refers to a more inescapable, predetermined fate that one is born with.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 'destiny' as an adjective (for example, to say 'a fateful encounter'), you add the suffix -的な to the noun to form 運命的な.
How do you pronounce it?
unmei
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture and anime, 運命 is frequently paired with the word 赤い糸 ('red thread') to describe two people destined to be together.
- The first character in 運命, 運, literally means 'to carry' or 'to transport'. It implies that destiny is something being moved or carried through time toward a destination.
- Because 運命 is a heavy word, Japanese speakers often use the phrase 運命のいたずら ('a prank of fate') to describe an ironic or accidental coincidence.
Examples in context
- 運命って信じる？Do you believe in destiny?The first sentence is useful for asking someone about their belief in 運命.Tatoeba #3555720 by arnab, translation #3514303 by CK
- 運命からは逃げられない。There is no escape from destiny.The second sentence is useful for expressing that there is no escape from 運命.Tatoeba #11053905 by small_snow, translation #2148869 by AlanF_US
- 運命は時として残酷である。Destiny is sometimes cruel.The third sentence is useful for describing how 運命 can sometimes be cruel.Tatoeba #189384 by bunbuku, translation #26535 by CK
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are talking about their unexpected meeting.
- 結衣 Yui私たちが会ったのは運命だと思う。Watashitachi ga atta no wa unmei da to omou.I think it was destiny that we met.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当にそうだね。不思議な感じがするよ。Hontō ni sō da ne. Fushigi na kanji ga suru yo.It really is. It feels mysterious.
- 結衣 Yui運命的な出会いだったのかもしれないね。Unmeiteki na deai datta no kamo shirenai ne.Maybe it was a fateful encounter.
- 大翔 Hirotoきっとそうだよ、結衣。Kitto sō da yo, Yui.I'm sure it was, Yui.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 運命, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
