Translation guide
The English word 'lucky' describes a favorable outcome that seems to happen by chance. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is ラッキー, a casual loanword. Other expressions depend on whether you are describing a person, a situation, or a feeling of gratitude for good fortune.
Expressing that something turned out well by chance, in everyday conversation.
A very common casual loanword used in the same way as English 'lucky'. Suitable for informal situations.
I was lucky to catch the train.
Literally 'luck is good'. A standard way to say someone is lucky or has good fortune. Can describe a person or a specific event.
He is really lucky.
A very casual, colloquial phrase meaning 'I'm on a roll' or 'things are going my way'. Often used when you feel lucky in the moment.
Describing a favorable situation with a slightly more formal or objective tone.
Describing someone who always seems to have good luck.
Refers to exceptionally strong luck, often used for people who consistently succeed against the odds.
Referring to an object believed to bring good luck.
Referring to a day when good things happen or are predicted to happen.
A day considered most auspicious in the traditional Japanese calendar (rokuyo). Often chosen for weddings and celebrations.
While ラッキー is very common in casual speech, it can sound childish or too informal in business or polite conversation. Use 運がいい or 幸運 instead.
I was lucky. (polite)
運がいい is a general statement about someone's luck, while ついてる is an exclamation about feeling lucky right now. ついてる is very casual and often used when something good just happened.
I was lucky to get the last ticket.
Lucky! I found my wallet.
運がいいことに、雨が降らなかった。
Luckily, it didn't rain.
今日はついてる！
I'm lucky today!
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'good luck' or 'fortunate'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese, but slightly more formal than ラッキー.
That was a lucky event.
Fortunately, there were no injuries.
The more formal version of 運がいい. Used in writing or polite speech.
You are lucky, aren't you?
He is a person with incredibly good luck.
A playful, slangy term for a man who is always lucky. Not commonly used in serious contexts.
He's a lucky guy, isn't he?
A general term for lucky charms or talismans, often associated with traditional Japanese culture.
This is a lucky charm, so I treasure it.
A loanword from English, used in casual contexts like horoscopes or fashion.
Today's lucky item is red socks.
We chose a lucky day for the wedding.
A general term for a lucky or auspicious day.
Today is a lucky day, so let's start something new.
He's lucky to have such a good friend.