Proverb / Kotowaza
縁は異なもの味なもの
The bonds of romance are mysterious, unpredictable, and full of inexplicable charm.
Love's bond is a strange thing and a charming thing.
Quick Answer
The bonds of romance are mysterious, unpredictable, and full of inexplicable charm.
- Literal Image
- Love's bond is a strange thing and a charming thing.
- How to Use It
- Used when commenting on the mysterious or surprising way a couple met or ended up together, such as two former rivals marrying or a chance encounter leading to a deep connection.
Meaning
Relationships between people, especially romantic ones, form in unexpected ways that defy logic. This expression highlights how the timing and circumstances of meeting someone can feel both strange and wonderfully fascinating, suggesting that fate works in mysterious ways.
Literal Image
Love's bond is a strange thing and a charming thing.
How to Use It
Used when commenting on the mysterious or surprising way a couple met or ended up together, such as two former rivals marrying or a chance encounter leading to a deep connection.
Tone
A reflective and appreciative observation about the unpredictable nature of fate in human relationships.
Examples
犬猿の仲だった二人が結婚するなんて、縁は異なもの味なものだね。
To think those two who used to be like cats and dogs got married—the bonds of fate are truly strange and charming.
旅先で偶然再会したのがきっかけで付き合うことになった。縁は異なもの味なものだ。
Meeting again by chance while traveling led to us dating. Love moves in mysterious and wonderful ways.
全く好みのタイプではなかった彼と結ばれるとは、縁は異なもの味なものとしか言いようがない。
Ending up with him, even though he wasn't my type at all—I can only say that romantic ties are mysterious and fascinating.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the kanji are relatively simple, the use of 'ina mono' and 'ajina mono' reflects slightly literary or traditional phrasing.
縁
えん / en
fate; bond; connection
異な
いな / ina
strange; mysterious
味な
あじな / ajina
charming; clever; interesting
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is specifically for human relationships and romance; using it for business or mechanical coincidences is less appropriate.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this as a complaint about a relationship being 'weird'; it emphasizes the fascinating and positive mystery of the connection.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
The phrase breaks down into 'ina mono' (mysterious or strange things) and 'ajina mono' (charming or interesting things). It is used to express the fascination and inexplicable nature of romantic connections and how people are brought together by fate.
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Source Note
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