Translation guide
The concept of good fortune in Japanese is expressed through a variety of words and phrases that emphasize luck, happiness, and prosperity. The most common and versatile term is 幸運 (kōun), but other expressions like 幸せ (shiawase) and 運がいい (un ga ii) are used depending on whether you're describing a state, a feeling, or a fortunate event.
Expressing the idea of being lucky or having good fortune in a general sense.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'good luck' or 'good fortune'. It can be used to describe fortunate events or a state of being lucky.
彼は幸運にも宝くじに当たった。
He had the good fortune to win the lottery.
幸運を祈ります。
I wish you good luck.
A common phrase meaning 'to be lucky' or 'to have good luck'. It describes a person's fortunate circumstances or a lucky outcome.
今日は運がいい日だ。
Today is a lucky day.
彼女はいつも運がいい。
She is always lucky.
Similar to 幸運, meaning 'good luck' or 'good fortune'. Slightly more formal and less common in everyday speech.
好運に恵まれる。
To be blessed with good fortune.
Describing a state of happiness or contentment that comes from good fortune.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'happiness' or 'good fortune'. It often implies a deeper, emotional sense of well-being and is used in personal contexts.
家族と過ごす時間が一番の幸せです。
Time spent with family is my greatest happiness.
幸せな人生を送りたい。
I want to live a happy life.
A more formal or literary term for 'happiness' or 'good fortune'. Often used in written language or philosophical discussions.
Referring to financial success or abundance as a form of good fortune.
Means 'prosperity' or 'flourishing'. It is used for economic or business success, often on a larger scale.
会社の繁栄を願っています。
I wish for the prosperity of the company.
Means 'wealth' or 'riches'. It directly refers to material fortune.
彼は富を築いた。
He built a fortune.
Describing good fortune as something predetermined or beyond one's control.
Means 'fate' or 'destiny'. It can be used positively to indicate a fortunate destiny.
これは運命の出会いだ。
This is a fateful encounter.
A Buddhist term for 'fate' or 'karma', often used in a more spiritual or literary context. Can imply a deeper, sometimes mysterious connection.
Expressions used to wish someone good luck or fortune.
A standard phrase meaning 'I pray for your good luck' or 'I wish you good fortune'.
試験の幸運を祈っています。
I wish you good luck on your exam.
A polite, formal expression meaning 'I wish you much happiness/good fortune'. Often used in letters or formal speeches.
今後のご多幸をお祈りします。
I wish you all the best in the future.
幸運 (kōun) refers to luck or fortunate events, while 幸せ (shiawase) refers to a state of happiness or well-being. Use 幸運 for chance occurrences and 幸せ for emotional contentment.
The English phrase 'good fortune' is often translated as 幸運, but in many contexts, more natural expressions like 運がいい or 幸せ are preferred. For example, 'I have good fortune' is better expressed as 私は運がいい (I am lucky) rather than a literal translation.
幸運にも彼女に会えた。
I had the good fortune to meet her.
幸運があなたと共にありますように。
May good fortune be with you.
幸福はお金では買えない。
Happiness cannot be bought with money.
不思議な因縁を感じる。
I feel a strange fate.