運命
unmei[ɯ̟̃mːe̞ː]
The English word "kismet" is translated into Japanese as 運命 (unmei).
運命 means fate or a predetermined, unavoidable destiny. Unlike English, where speakers might use "fate" for something negative and "destiny" for something positive, 運命 is used for both positive and negative outcomes.
Meaning: fate, a predetermined or unavoidable destiny (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
unmei
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, the phrase 運命の赤い糸 describes the 'red thread of fate' that connects two soulmates regardless of time, place or circumstance.
- The character 運 in 運命 originally referred to the movement of celestial bodies, suggesting that fate was governed by the stars.
- In some traditional contexts, 運命 is linked to the Buddhist concept of 業 or 'karma', implying that one's fate is a result of actions from past lives.
Examples in context
- 彼女は宿命に抗う勇気を持っている。She has the courage to defy her destiny.
- この出会いは本当にご縁だと感じますね。I truly feel that this meeting is a destined connection.
- 彼との出会いは運命的だったんですよ。My meeting with him was truly fateful.
- この縁やんけ、めちゃめちゃありがたいなぁ。This connection, it's really appreciated.
- これは運命の出会いだ。Kore wa unmei no deai da.This is a fated encounter.
- 運命に抗うことはできない。Unmei ni aragau koto wa dekinai.One cannot resist fate.
- 彼女は自分の運命を受け入れた。Kanojo wa jibun no unmei o ukeireta.She accepted her destiny.
Example conversation
Two people meeting by chance in a park.
- 大翔 Hirotoここで君に会うなんて、運命かな。Koko de kimi ni au nante, unmei kana.Meeting you here, I wonder if it is fate.
- 陽葵 Himari不思議な縁を感じますね。Fushigi na en o kanjimasu ne.I feel a mysterious connection.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さん、もっと話しませんか？Himari-san, motto hanashimasen ka?Himari, would you like to talk more?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、喜んで。Hai, yorokonde.Yes, I would love to.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 運命, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
