縁

• Reading: ふち
• Romaji: fuchi
• Kanji breakdown: 縁 (en/fuchi) — edge, rim; also fate (when read えん)
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.tɕi/

Meaning

Edge; rim; border. The outer boundary of a surface or object.

When read as ふち, this noun refers to the physical edge or rim of an object: コップの縁 (koppu no fuchi, rim of a glass), 崖の縁 (gake no fuchi, edge of a cliff), 帽子の縁 (boushi no fuchi, brim of a hat). Note that the same kanji 縁 read as えん means fate/connection/bond, which is a completely different meaning. The ふち reading is specifically for physical edges.

Examples

1. コップの縁が欠けているので気をつけて。 The rim of the glass is chipped, so be careful.
2. プールの縁に座って足を水に入れた。 I sat on the edge of the pool and dipped my feet in the water.
3. 崖の縁に立つのは危ないからやめなさい。 Don't stand on the edge of the cliff — it's dangerous.

Usage Guide

Context: physical descriptions, safety, daily objects

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 縁 combines 糸 (thread radical) and elements suggesting connection/border. When read ふち, it refers to the physical margin or edge where something ends.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal