Translation guide
Expresses the idea of a year that is difficult, unlucky, or marked by misfortune. Japanese offers several words and phrases depending on whether the focus is on personal hardship, poor harvest, economic downturn, or general unluckiness.
Describing a year that was hard for an individual due to bad luck, illness, or personal struggles.
Refers to a traditional unlucky age or year, but often used loosely to mean a year of bad luck or hardship.
This year felt like a really unlucky year.
A direct translation meaning 'bad year'. It is natural but somewhat plain; often used in simple statements.
Last year was a bad year.
Means a terrible or disastrous year, emphasizing a series of unfortunate events.
This year was a truly terrible year.
Literally 'unlucky year'. More formal and less common in casual speech.
It was an unlucky year for him.
Referring to a year when crops failed or food was scarce.
Means a bad harvest or crop failure. Often used in agricultural or historical contexts.
This year was a year of poor harvest.
Also means poor harvest, but slightly less severe than 凶作. Common in everyday farming talk.
Means famine. Used for severe food shortages affecting a wide area.
Describing a year when the economy performed poorly.
Years of poor harvest continue.
That year was a great famine.
This year looks like it will be a bad year for the economy.