📖 Meaning
A match or coincidence brought about by heavenly fate. Traditionally used to describe a marriage that was destined by heaven, but also broadly refers to events that come together by fortunate coincidence.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Yuan dynasty playwright Shi Zizhang's zaju play 'Listening to the Qin in the Bamboo Dwelling' (竹坞听琴), specifically the fourth act, where it is said of a marriage that it was arranged by heavenly fate. The expression reflects the traditional Chinese belief that the union of husband and wife is determined by the will of Heaven. Over time its usage broadened to describe any fortunate coincidence that seems heaven-sent.
💡 Example Usage
我正为这件事发愁，没想到在这里遇见你，真是天缘凑合，还请你多指点。
I was just worrying about this matter, and never expected to run into you here—it's truly a heaven-sent coincidence, so I'd really appreciate your guidance.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 天缘凑合
- Pinyin: tiān yuán còu hé
- Literal Translation: heaven, destiny, come together, unite
- Category: Philosophy
- Characters: 4