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日本語
運命 — meaning in English: Destiny
unmei · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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fate
トレイ
torei
メンバー
menbā
トイレ
toire
運命
unmei
パーセンテージ
pāsentēji
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 運命 (unmei) in conversations about life choices or events that seem preordained. For instance, someone might say it when discussing a significant relationship, attributing their meeting as a matter of destiny. Additionally, it's common in philosophical discussions regarding fate versus free will.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym to 運命 (unmei) is 運 (un), which also means fortune or luck. While 運命 emphasizes the idea of destiny as a predetermined path, 運 tends to focus more on the randomness of luck and chance. You would use 運命 when discussing life events that feel meant to happen, while 運 is more appropriate for situations involving chance occurrences.
Culture
The concept of 運命 (unmei) is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, reflecting a blend of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs about predestination and the cosmic order of life. Interestingly, in Japanese literature and cinema, unmei often encapsulates the theme of characters struggling against their fates, adding a poignant layer to storytelling. This interplay between fate and personal agency is a recurring motif in many traditional and contemporary works.
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