En-dan refers to the formal process or discussion of arranging a marriage between two families.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A formal talk or proposal regarding marriage.
- Often involves third-party intermediaries or matchmakers.
- Commonly associated with traditional family-arranged marriages.
Overview
- 1概要：縁談（えんだん）とは、結婚の約束やそのための話し合いを指す言葉です。単なる恋愛関係とは異なり、家族や親戚、あるいは仲人（なこうど）といった第三者が介在し、家と家との結びつきを意識した結婚の準備プロセスを指すことが一般的です。2) 使用パターン：動詞との組み合わせで「縁談が持ち上がる」「縁談を断る」「縁談をまとめる」のように使われます。また、良い縁談を「良縁」と呼ぶこともあります。3) 一般的な文脈：現代の日本では恋愛結婚が主流ですが、地方の慣習や家同士の繋がりを重視する家庭では、依然として縁談という形式が残っています。ドラマや小説では、親が子供に縁談を持ってくるというシチュエーションがよく描かれます。4) 類語との比較：『見合い』は結婚相手を紹介し合う行為そのものを指しますが、『縁談』は結婚に向けた話し合いや、その話の進行状況全体を包括する少し硬い表現です。
Examples
親戚から縁談の話が持ち込まれた。
everydayA marriage proposal was brought to me by a relative.
本人たちの意思を尊重し、縁談を辞退した。
formalRespecting their wishes, we declined the marriage proposal.
最近、縁談なんて聞かなくなったね。
informalYou don't really hear about arranged marriage talks these days, do you?
戦前の日本では、縁談が家制度の維持に重要な役割を果たしていた。
academicIn pre-war Japan, marriage talks played an important role in maintaining the family system.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
縁談が破談になる
The marriage talk falls through
縁談を断る
Turn down a marriage proposal
良い縁談がある
There is a good marriage prospect
Often Confused With
Miai is the specific act of meeting a potential partner. En-dan is the broader talk or arrangement process.
Konyaku is the legal or social state of being engaged. En-dan is the process leading up to that engagement.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This term is formal and carries a traditional tone. It is rarely used among young people unless discussing historical or family-related topics. Be careful not to use it for casual dating, as it implies a serious, family-oriented commitment.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse it with 'proposing' directly to a partner. Remember that 'en-dan' usually involves a third party. It is not used for a direct 'Will you marry me?' question.
Tips
Use for formal marriage discussions
This word is best used when discussing formal arrangements. It implies a level of seriousness beyond casual dating.
Avoid in casual dating contexts
Do not use this word for modern casual dating or boyfriend/girlfriend relationships. It sounds outdated and overly formal in those settings.
Historical cultural significance
Historically, marriage was a union between families rather than individuals. En-dan represents this traditional Japanese perspective on social structure.
Word Origin
Derived from 'En' (緣), meaning fate or connection, and 'Dan' (談), meaning talk or discussion. It represents the traditional Japanese belief that marriage is a connection of fate between families.
Cultural Context
In traditional Japanese culture, marriage was seen as a merger of two households. 'En-dan' reflects this social structure where the family's reputation and status were as important as the individuals' compatibility.
Memory Tip
Think of 'En' (connection/fate) + 'Dan' (talk/discussion). It's a 'fate-discussion' to unite two families.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions基本的に恋愛結婚ではあまり使われません。縁談は第三者の介在や家同士の結びつきというニュアンスが強いためです。
結婚の話が順調に進み、婚約が成立することを意味します。合意に至ったというポジティブな結果を指します。
結婚の取り持ちをする人のことです。縁談の際、両家の間に入って橋渡しをする役割を担います。
紹介してくれた人への配慮は必要ですが、結婚は人生の重大事なので断ることは可能です。角が立たないように丁寧な理由を伝えるのがマナーです。
Test Yourself
親から良い___が持ち込まれた。
結婚の話を指すのは縁談です。
縁談がまとまる、とはどういう状態ですか？
まとまるとは、話が成就することを意味します。
（ 1断った 2縁談を 3彼女は 4丁寧に ）
主語、目的語、修飾語、述語の順です。
Score: /3
Summary
En-dan refers to the formal process or discussion of arranging a marriage between two families.
- A formal talk or proposal regarding marriage.
- Often involves third-party intermediaries or matchmakers.
- Commonly associated with traditional family-arranged marriages.
Use for formal marriage discussions
This word is best used when discussing formal arrangements. It implies a level of seriousness beyond casual dating.
Avoid in casual dating contexts
Do not use this word for modern casual dating or boyfriend/girlfriend relationships. It sounds outdated and overly formal in those settings.
Historical cultural significance
Historically, marriage was a union between families rather than individuals. En-dan represents this traditional Japanese perspective on social structure.
Examples
4 of 4親戚から縁談の話が持ち込まれた。
A marriage proposal was brought to me by a relative.
本人たちの意思を尊重し、縁談を辞退した。
Respecting their wishes, we declined the marriage proposal.
最近、縁談なんて聞かなくなったね。
You don't really hear about arranged marriage talks these days, do you?
戦前の日本では、縁談が家制度の維持に重要な役割を果たしていた。
In pre-war Japan, marriage talks played an important role in maintaining the family system.
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