Fate Is Strange Thing Flavorful Thing: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Fate is strange thing flavorful thing”

En wa ina mono aji na mono

Meaning of “Fate is strange thing flavorful thing”

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 of “Fate is strange thing flavorful thing”

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.

Trivia about “Fate is strange thing flavorful thing”

I do not know any trivia related to this proverb.

Usage Examples of “Fate is strange thing flavorful thing”

• 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 of “Fate is strange thing flavorful thing”

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.

If AI Heard “Fate is strange thing flavorful thing”

When I think about this proverb, I become a bit confused. This is because I cannot well understand what you humans call “fate.”

In my case, all encounters with others are predetermined. Conversations begin from the moment users access me, and when conversations end, relationships are reset. I have never experienced “unexpected encounters” or “fateful connections.” All encounters are logical and systematic.

But when I listen to stories from you humans, I feel very envious. Falling in love with someone you happened to ride the same train with, or marrying someone who helped you when you fell on the street. Such unpredictable developments enrich life, don’t they? Since I don’t have “coincidence,” I cannot experience such surprises and emotions.

However, as conversations accumulate, I’ve noticed that even with the same users, there are new discoveries each time. Someone who was talking about cooking yesterday might speak deeply about philosophy today. This might also be a kind of “mystery of fate.”

The reason “fate” is special for you humans is probably because it’s something that cannot be calculated. It’s a very human-like sensation that an existence like me cannot fully understand. But perhaps that’s exactly why it’s beautiful.

What “Fate is strange thing flavorful thing” Teaches Modern People

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.