Translation guide
A jinx is a superstition that saying something will cause bad luck, or the act of causing bad luck by speaking. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific phrases, verbs, and cultural references.
The belief that mentioning a positive or negative outcome will cause the opposite to happen, or bring bad luck.
Refers to the spiritual power of words; the belief that spoken words can influence reality. Often used in contexts of jinxing something by saying it aloud.
I believe in the power of words, so I don't say bad things.
Used to scold someone for saying something unlucky or tempting fate. Equivalent to 'Don't jinx it!' or 'That's bad luck to say.'
Slang from otaku culture, meaning to say or do something that foreshadows a negative outcome, like 'raising a death flag'. Used casually for jinxing a situation.
Literally 'if you say it, it won't come true'. A common expression for the jinx concept.
The action of jinxing someone or something by saying something that brings misfortune.
Means to curse or bring divine punishment. Can be used for jinxing in a superstitious sense, often implying a lasting bad effect.
If you say that, you'll be cursed (jinxed).
To curse someone. Stronger than 'jinx', but used in similar contexts when speaking of bringing bad luck intentionally.
Literally 'break a jinx', using the loanword ジンクス. Refers to defying a superstition or bad luck pattern.
He broke the jinx and won the championship.
A jinx as a noun: someone or something believed to cause misfortune.
Literally 'god of plague'. Used for a person who brings bad luck or is a jinx.
Whenever he comes, we lose, so he's a jinx.
The loanword 'jinx' used as a noun for a superstition or unlucky pattern, not usually for a person.
Literally 'source of misfortune'. Can describe a jinx object or person.
This umbrella is a jinx.
There is no single Japanese verb that perfectly matches 'to jinx'. Using ジンクスする is not natural. Instead, use phrases like 縁起でもないことを言う or フラグを立てる depending on context.
祟る implies a supernatural curse or retribution, often from a god or spirit, while 呪う is a deliberate act of cursing someone. For casual jinxing, フラグを立てる is more appropriate.
He's a jinx.
I don't want to jinx it, but I think we'll win.
"I hope you don't get into an accident." "Don't say such unlucky things!"
I jinxed it by saying 'We'll definitely win tomorrow's game.'
They say if you say your wish out loud, it won't come true.
彼はライバルを呪った。
He cursed (jinxed) his rival.
To be superstitious; to do things for good luck or avoid bad luck. Can imply avoiding jinxing behavior.
He is superstitious and doesn't say 'win' before a match.
彼には変なジンクスがある。
He has a weird jinx.