How to Read “縁は異なもの味なもの”
En wa ina mono aji na mono
Meaning of “縁は異なもの味なもの”
This proverb means that encounters and connections between people are unexpected and mysterious, while also being deeply interesting and fascinating.
It is often used particularly in reference to romantic relationships between men and women, expressing the mystery of people from completely different environments and circumstances meeting and being united, and the fascination of developing deep relationships with unexpected partners. Here, “ina” does not mean “different” as in modern Japanese, but rather the classical meaning of “unexpected, mysterious,” and “aji na” also means “tasteful, interesting.”
This proverb is used when seeing an unexpected couple pairing, or when hearing about romance that developed from an unimaginable encounter. It doesn’t simply refer to “differences,” but contains both surprise at those differences and coincidences, and a positive attitude toward them. Even today, it is used for fateful encounters and unexpected connections, and is cherished as an expression of the mystery and wonder of human relationships.
Origin and Etymology
Regarding the origin of “Fate is strange thing flavorful thing,” it remains in literature as an expression used since the Edo period, but there are interesting linguistic changes in its formation.
Originally, “ina mono” was used to mean “mysterious thing” or “unexpected thing.” It did not mean “different” as in modern usage, but in classical Japanese referred to “something surprising and beyond expectation.” Meanwhile, “aji na mono” also did not mean “flavorful” in the modern sense, but was used to mean “having elegance,” “having charm,” or “interesting.”
The background to the birth of this proverb is thought to be the class system of the Edo period. Within the strict class system of samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants, people of different classes and circumstances who normally would never meet sometimes became united, and people found this phenomenon mysterious while simultaneously finding it intriguing.
Also, in an era when marriages arranged by parents were common, romance and marriage beginning from chance encounters were truly perceived as “unexpected things” and “charming things.” It is thought that this expression became popular among common people as a way to express the mystery of human connections.
Interesting Facts
I do not know any trivia related to this proverb.
Usage Examples
- Those two getting married – truly, fate is strange thing flavorful thing
- To reunite with an old classmate in this way – fate is strange thing flavorful thing
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has somewhat changed. With the spread of social media and dating apps, the forms of encounters have diversified, and meetings that would have been considered “unexpected” in the past have become commonplace. It’s not uncommon for people to marry someone they met in online games or to enter romantic relationships with people from overseas through social media.
However, even in our technologically advanced modern era, the mystery of human chemistry and compatibility remains unchanged. Even with partners matched by algorithms, when you actually meet them, they can be completely different from expectations, or conversely, you might discover unexpected commonalities. The depth of human relationships that cannot be measured by data and conditions alone might be felt even more prominently in modern times.
Additionally, with globalization, cross-border encounters have increased. Romance with partners from completely different cultures and languages can truly be called the modern version of “Fate is strange thing flavorful thing.” On the other hand, in modern times, many people use “strange thing” to mean “completely opposite in personality and hobbies,” showing interpretations that have shifted somewhat from the original meaning of “unexpected, mysterious.”
Nevertheless, even as artificial intelligence develops and data analysis advances, human emotions and the mystery of fate cannot be completely unraveled. The respect for the “mystical nature of human relationships” that this proverb holds can be said to be a value system that remains fully applicable in modern times.
When AI Hears This
“Inamono” and “ajinamono”—when you speak these two sounds aloud, they possess a surprisingly similar resonance. Both begin with the “a” sound, followed by the common phonemes “na,” “mo,” and “no.” Like variations in a musical piece, they repeat a basic melody while gradually changing it.
This phonetic similarity represents the very core of the Japanese perspective on human relationships. “Inamono (mysterious things)” and “ajinamono (tasteful things)” are seemingly opposite concepts. The former refers to enigmatic things we cannot understand, while the latter refers to attractive things we can deeply savor. However, the similarity in their sound makes us realize that these two are actually opposite sides of the same coin.
In other words, the “mysteriousness” and “tastefulness” of encounters with people are unified at the phonetic level. The enigmatic coincidence of not knowing why we met that person and the deep flavor and inevitability that such encounters bring are not separate experiences, but different aspects of the same phenomenon.
The phonetic structure of Japanese integrates the complexity of human relationships into one beautiful resonance. The sound of the words themselves simultaneously expresses both the mystique and richness of encounters—this can be called a linguistic art unique to Japanese.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of having a heart that enjoys life’s unpredictability. We tend to seek things to proceed according to plan, but the most important encounters and relationships often come from unexpected places.
In modern society, efficiency and rationality tend to be emphasized, but this proverb reminds us that in human relationships, there is value precisely in “waste” and “coincidence.” While it’s good to narrow down conditions on dating apps, sometimes opening your heart to encounters with people who don’t fit your criteria. Such flexibility might enrich your life.
Also, it’s worth reconsidering relationships with people who are already close to you. Colleagues and friends you see every day might actually be connected to you through miraculous fate. Even relationships you take for granted actually have “Fate is strange thing flavorful thing” elements hidden within them. By continuing to cherish connections with people and maintaining gratitude for their mystery, daily life will appear more radiant.
Comments