无缘

• Pinyin: wú yuán
• Hanzi breakdown: 无 = 无 (without); 缘 = 糸 + 彖 (fate/predestined connection)

Meaning

To have no chance; to miss an opportunity; destined not to have. As an adverb, unfortunately unable to.

Expresses being fated to miss something or lacking the connection to obtain it. Often used for missed opportunities, relationships that were not meant to be, or being excluded from events.

Examples

1. 他因伤无缘参加本届奥运会。 Because of an injury, he won’t be able to compete in this Olympics.
2. 我们虽然同校却无缘相识。 We went to the same school but never had the chance to meet.
3. 这次升职机会与他无缘了。 This promotion opportunity has passed him by.

Usage Guide

Context: missed opportunities, fate, competitions

Tone: regretful

Do Say

• 伤病让他无缘决赛。(Injury left him unable to compete in the finals.)
• 我与这所大学无缘，选择了另一条路。(I was not fated for this university and chose another path.)

Don't Say

• 我无缘不喜欢 — 无缘 is about missed fate/opportunity, not about disliking something

Origin & History

无 (without) + 缘 (fate/connection)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal