There is a word in the Japanese language that carries a philosophical and almost mystical weight, difficult to translate into other languages, but when understood, it can change the way we view our lives. That word is 必然 (Hitsuzen).
Perhaps you've come across it while watching anime or immersing yourself in Japanese culture. But what does this concept really mean? Is it just destiny? Coincidence? Or is there something deeper hidden?
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What it means inevitability?
Generally, 必然 (Hitsuzen) is translated as inevitable or inevitability, but this translation does not do justice to the complete concept. In Japanese, the kanjis that make up the word are:
- 必 (Hitsu) – Necessary, inevitable, certain;
- Zen – State of being, just as it is.
We are talking about something that happens not only because it was "destined," but because it needed to happen, because all the conditions, choices, and circumstances led to this outcome.
Hitsuzen carries the idea that events occur not by chance, but because, given the conditions, they were the inevitable consequence. It’s not that the universe conspired; it’s that everything that happened before led exactly to this point.
Everyday Hitsuzen
Even if you have never used the word hitsuzen, that feeling of "it couldn't be any other way" must have definitely appeared in your life. It can be simple things like:
- The job you lost, but which resulted in something better.
- That friendship that ended, but made room for a new one.
- A random coincidence that, in the end, was the result of several choices.
In Japanese culture, the term is used to reinforce that things are not simply random — they have a sequence, a logical chain, even when we do not perceive it.
Inevitable in pop culture
If you enjoy anime, manga, or Japanese works, you've probably come across this concept without even realizing it. One of the most famous examples comes from CLAMP, the renowned group of Japanese mangaka, especially from the work xxxHOLiC.
In anime/manga, the mysterious Yūko often speaks about hitsuzen. According to her, nothing is by chance — everything has a reason and happens because it was meant to happen, based on previous decisions and events.
Another example is in the movie Your Name (Kimi no Na wa), where the intertwining of time, memories, and encounters carries that same feeling: events unfold inevitably.
The subtle difference of the words
The Japanese tends to differentiate its words very well, an example being the terms "chance," "inevitable," and "destiny."
- 偶然 (Guzen): Coincidence, chance, something that could have happened or not.
- Inevitability (Hitsuzen): Something that had to happen, due to the circumstances, was inevitable.
- Fate (Unmei): Indicates that things happen because they are predestined.
Beauty is right there. Not everything that happens is chance or fate. Sometimes, it's just life flowing in its natural course, like dominoes falling one after the other, pushed by the one before.
Example Phrases
See below some example sentences that explain the concept of Hitsuzen:
すべての出来事には必然がある。
Subete no dekigoto ni wa hitsuzen ga aru.
Every event has an inevitable reason for being.
出会いは偶然ではなく、必然なのだ。
Deai wa guuzen de wa naku, hitsuzen na no da.
Meetings are not by chance, but rather inevitable.
過去の選択が今の必然を作り出す。
Kako no sentaku ga ima no hitsuzen o tsukuridasu.
The choices of the past create the inevitability of the present.
あの失敗も、今の自分に必要な必然だった。
Ano shippai mo, ima no jibun ni hitsuyou na hitsuzen datta.
That failure was also a necessary inevitability for who I am today.
Why does hitsuzen make so much sense?
Accepting the concept of hitsuzen can be comforting, but it also gives that butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling. Because it means that, in a way, everything you do today — is shaping the inevitable of tomorrow.
Isn't it possible to escape this? Maybe not. But there is a way to act with greater awareness, knowing that each decision is an important piece in the puzzle of your life.
The hitsuzen does not take away our free will, but leads to the outcome. You make choices, the world reacts, and the inevitable happens. We spend so much time trying to control the future… But maybe you just need to accept the process!
