Yuánfèn 缘分

The definition of yuanfen is difficult to completely translate into English as there is great historical and ideological significance behind the idea of yuanfen. The direct translation is simply fate, however yuanfen is more specific than the western perception of 'fate' as the word pertains to relationships and the happenstance that they occur. Perhaps the best way to understand this is by an example:

If you were traveling to a foreign country and you noticed, by coincidence, you and a complete stranger stepped onto the same train, bus, airplane and eventually sat down at a the same restaurant it could be said you two have Yuanfen as you were destined to meet

Yuanfen can apply to many situations whether they are sad, funny, meaningful or romantic and is quite commonly used. Situations where people use the word are during breakups where the yuanfen runs out and they are no longer destined to be together or if business colleagues meet on numerous trips and share yuanfen to work together on future projects.

A wonderful comedy where the YuanFen is very strong:

人在囧途 (Rén zài jiǒng tú) --- Lost On a Journey: