Translation guide
Describes a fortunate, promising, or celebratory occasion, often with cultural or superstitious connotations. Japanese equivalents range from formal ceremonial terms to everyday expressions of good luck.
To refer to a happy, fortunate, or promising event in a general sense, often used in formal or congratulatory contexts.
A formal term for an auspicious or lucky event. Often used in written or ceremonial contexts.
新年は吉事が続きますように。
May the new year bring a series of auspicious events.
A formal term for a happy or congratulatory event, such as a wedding or birth. Emphasizes celebration.
ご結婚はまことにめでたい慶事です。
Your marriage is truly a joyous and auspicious event.
A common, polite phrase meaning 'a happy/auspicious thing'. Used in everyday congratulatory speech.
お子さんが生まれたそうで、おめでたいことですね。
I heard you had a baby—what an auspicious event!
To describe an event that seems to bring good luck or is seen as a positive omen, often with a slightly superstitious nuance.
Literally 'an event of good omen'. Commonly used when something is considered a sign of future good fortune.
虹を見るのは縁起のいい出来事だと言われている。
Seeing a rainbow is said to be an auspicious event.
Refers to a promising start or a good omen. Often used when an initial success bodes well for the future.
初日から満員になるとは幸先のいいことだ。
It's an auspicious event that we're sold out from the first day.
To refer to a formal celebration or ritual that marks a happy occasion, such as weddings, births, or festivals.
A general term for a celebratory event or occasion. Covers everything from personal milestones to public festivals.
今日は祝い事があるので、着物を着ました。
I wore a kimono because there is an auspicious event today.
Refers specifically to the gathering or banquet held for a celebration. Polite and common.
お祝いの席でスピーチを頼まれました。
I was asked to give a speech at the auspicious event.
吉事 emphasizes luck or auspiciousness, often in a superstitious sense. 慶事 is more about a happy, congratulatory event (weddings, births). 祝い事 is the broadest term for any celebratory occasion, from personal to public.
The English phrase 'auspicious event' can sound overly formal or superstitious in Japanese if translated directly. In casual conversation, it's more natural to use おめでたいこと or describe the specific event (e.g., 結婚式 for a wedding).