Translation guide
Describes an event, decision, or moment that has important, often negative, consequences for the future.
Describing an event or decision that significantly affects the future, often in a negative way.
Most direct equivalent, meaning 'fateful' or 'destined'. Often used for meetings or events that seem guided by fate.
Emphasizing that an action or event led to a disastrous outcome.
Describing words or signs that seem to predict a negative future.
Means 'ominous' or 'sinister'. Used for words, signs, or feelings that forebode ill.
Directly translating 'fateful' as 運命的 may not always fit. In many contexts, it's better to describe the consequence (e.g., 'led to tragedy') rather than labeling the event itself.
That was a fateful encounter.
Literally 'to decide fate'. Used for moments or decisions that determine the future.
That decision proved fateful for the company.
Implies something was predestined or inevitable, often with a negative nuance. More literary.
He made a fateful mistake.
That error in judgment had fateful consequences.
Means 'fatal' or 'mortal'. Often used for mistakes or decisions that lead to ruin.
It was a fateful decision.
His fateful prophecy came true.
Literally 'to hint at fate'. Used for words or events that seem to foreshadow destiny.
Those words seemed fateful.