Translation guide
The concept of luck in Japanese is expressed through several words and phrases that distinguish between good fortune, chance, and the quality of being lucky. The most common and versatile word is 運 (un), which can be used in many contexts. Other expressions like 運がいい (un ga ii) describe a person's state of being lucky, while 幸運 (kouun) is a more formal term for good fortune. Japanese also has set phrases for wishing luck, such as 頑張って (ganbatte), which is used more broadly than the English 'good luck'.
頑張って！
Good luck! (general encouragement)
Used for encouragement, not just luck. More common than direct 'luck' translations.
Expressing the concept of luck as a force that brings good outcomes.
The most general and common word for luck, fate, or fortune. Can be used in many compounds and phrases.
今日は運が良かった。
I was lucky today.
運を試す。
Try one's luck.
Good luck, good fortune. More formal and often used in writing or set phrases.
Good luck, favorable fortune. Less common than 幸運, but similar in meaning.
Describing a person who often has good luck or is in a lucky state.
To be lucky. The most common way to say someone is lucky. Can be conjugated: 運が良かった (was lucky), 運が良ければ (if lucky).
彼は本当に運がいい。
He is really lucky.
Expressing the concept of bad luck or being unlucky.
To be unlucky. The standard way to say someone has bad luck.
運が悪くて、雨に降られた。
Unfortunately, I got rained on.
Expressing 'good luck' to someone before an endeavor.
Referring to luck as a neutral force or fate, not necessarily good or bad.
Describing something that brings luck or is associated with luck.
To be lucky, auspicious. Used for objects, events, or omens that are considered to bring good luck.
このお守りは縁起がいい。
This charm is lucky.
Lucky (as an adjective). Used in phrases like 'lucky charm' (幸運のお守り).
運がいい describes a general state of being lucky, often as a personality trait. ラッキー is a casual exclamation for a lucky moment. ついている is used when you feel luck is on your side at a particular time, similar to 'I'm in luck'.
In English, 'good luck' is used as a general encouragement. In Japanese, 幸運 is more formal and less common in casual speech. Use 頑張って for everyday encouragement, and reserve 幸運を祈ります for formal situations.
幸運が訪れた。
Good luck came my way.
好運に恵まれる。
Be blessed with good luck.
If we're lucky, it might be sunny tomorrow.
To have strong luck, to be consistently lucky. Implies a robust fortune.
彼女は運が強いから、きっと大丈夫だ。
She has strong luck, so she'll surely be fine.
Lucky. A casual loanword from English, very common in everyday speech.
ラッキー！電車に間に合った！
Lucky! I caught the train!
To be in luck, to be lucky (at a particular moment). Often used when something good happens unexpectedly.
今日はついている。
I'm in luck today.
Misfortune, bad luck. More formal and often used in writing.
不運にも事故に遭った。
Unfortunately, I had an accident.
Misfortune, bad luck, evil. Often used in contexts of superstition or calamity.
厄を払う。
Ward off bad luck.
I pray for your good luck. A formal, literal expression used in serious or formal contexts.
ご成功を祈ります。幸運を祈ります。
I wish you success. Good luck.
Good luck. Direct loanword from English, used casually but less common than 頑張って.
グッドラック！
Good luck!
Fate, destiny. Often used when luck is seen as predetermined.
それは運命だ。
That's fate.
Chance, coincidence, fate. Emphasizes the coming together of circumstances.
不思議な巡り合わせだ。
It's a strange twist of fate.
幸運のシンボル
A symbol of luck
運 can be combined with other kanji to form words like 運勢 (うんせい, fortune, luck), 運気 (うんき, luck, fortune), and 強運 (きょううん, strong luck). These are useful for expanding vocabulary.
運 can be combined with other kanji to form words like 運勢 (うんせい, fortune, luck), 運気 (うんき, luck, fortune), and 強運 (きょううん, strong luck). These are useful for expanding vocabulary.