Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a horoscope is most commonly expressed through 星座占い (seiza uranai), which refers to zodiac-based fortune-telling. Unlike in English, where 'horoscope' can refer to the prediction itself or the astrological chart, Japanese distinguishes between the fortune-telling practice (占い) and the written prediction (占いの結果 or 運勢). The Western zodiac is widely recognized, but the traditional Chinese zodiac (十二支) also plays a role in Japanese astrology.
To refer to a horoscope as a prediction based on one's zodiac sign, typically found in magazines, TV shows, or websites.
The most common and natural way to say 'horoscope' in Japanese. It literally means 'constellation fortune-telling' and refers to the practice or the prediction itself.
今朝、星座占いをチェックした。
I checked my horoscope this morning.
この雑誌の星座占いはよく当たる。
The horoscope in this magazine is often accurate.
Used when referring to a daily horoscope specifically. It means 'today's fortune-telling' and is common in apps and TV segments.
今日の占いで1位だった！
I was ranked first in today's horoscope!
Refers to one's fortune or luck, often used in the context of horoscopes. It can be combined with the zodiac sign, e.g., 牡羊座の運勢 (Aries horoscope).
今週の牡牛座の運勢はどう？
What's the horoscope for Taurus this week?
A less common synonym for 星座占い, literally 'star fortune-telling'. It may sound slightly more poetic or old-fashioned.
星占いによると、今日はいい日らしい。
According to the horoscope, today seems to be a good day.
To refer to the astrological diagram used for making predictions, often based on birth date and time.
The direct loanword from English, used specifically for the astrological chart. It is understood by those familiar with Western astrology but may not be as common in everyday conversation.
彼女は私のホロスコープを作ってくれた。
She made my horoscope chart.
Literally 'celestial body chart', this is a more technical term for an astrological chart. Rarely used in casual contexts.
To refer to the column or section in a newspaper, magazine, or website where horoscopes are published.
Means 'fortune-telling corner' and is the standard way to refer to the horoscope section in a magazine or website.
雑誌の占いコーナーを毎週読んでいる。
I read the horoscope section in the magazine every week.
Specifically 'the horoscope page', used when referring to a printed page or a web page.
星座占いのページを開いて、自分の星座を探した。
I opened the horoscope page and looked for my sign.
While 占い means 'fortune-telling' in general, it does not specifically mean 'horoscope'. To refer to zodiac-based predictions, always use 星座占い or specify the type of fortune-telling.
Japanese astrology incorporates both the Western zodiac (星座, seiza) and the Chinese zodiac (十二支, jūnishi). When talking about horoscopes, 星座占い almost always refers to the Western zodiac. If you want to refer to the Chinese zodiac fortune, use 干支占い (eto uranai).
占星術師は天体図を読み解く。
Astrologers interpret horoscopes.