Translation guide
Describes something that suggests bad luck, an unfavorable outcome, or a negative omen. Japanese has several common words for this concept, ranging from everyday unlucky to formal or superstitious contexts.
To describe a situation, event, or sign that seems to bring bad luck or is considered unlucky.
The most direct and common translation for 'inauspicious'. Used for omens, dreams, dates, and general bad luck. Slightly formal or literary, but widely understood.
I have an inauspicious feeling.
He had an inauspicious dream.
A very common phrase meaning 'unlucky' or 'of bad omen', often used in everyday speech about superstitions, numbers, or actions.
Friday the 13th is said to be inauspicious.
It's inauspicious to cut your nails at night.
Means 'misfortune' or 'bad luck' rather than specifically 'omen'. Used for unlucky events or people.
He had an inauspicious accident.
To refer to something that is considered a bad omen in folklore, fortune-telling, or traditional beliefs.
Used in fortune-telling or omens to mean 'bad luck' or 'inauspicious'. Often appears in compounds like 凶夢 (bad dream) or on fortune slips.
I drew an inauspicious fortune.
Refers to an inauspicious or scandalous event, often used for incidents that bring bad reputation or misfortune.
Means 'abominable' or 'ominous', with a strong negative emotional tone. Used for things that evoke a sense of dread or bad omen.
To describe a beginning, sign, or prospect that suggests a negative outcome.
不吉 (fukitsu) is more formal and often used for premonitions or omens. 縁起が悪い (engi ga warui) is colloquial and refers to superstitions or things believed to bring bad luck. Use 縁起が悪い in daily conversation about unlucky actions or numbers.
While 不吉 is the direct translation, it can sound overly dramatic or literary in casual speech. For everyday unlucky situations, 縁起が悪い or 不運 are often more natural.
That's an inauspicious sign.
Starting the journey on a rainy day felt inauspicious.
Inauspicious incidents keep happening.
Inauspicious memories come back.
The outlook is inauspicious.