Translation guide
The English word "misfortune" refers to bad luck or an unfortunate event. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this concept depends on whether you are talking about an unlucky incident, a general state of bad luck, or a tragic disaster. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by these nuances.
To refer to a specific unlucky happening or mishap.
The most direct and common translation for 'misfortune' as an unfortunate event or state. It can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
He was struck by a sudden misfortune.
Emphasizes bad luck or an unlucky occurrence. Often used when the event feels like it was due to fate or chance.
Refers to a calamity or disaster, often implying a more serious or large-scale misfortune. Can be used for personal troubles as well.
To describe a general condition of bad luck or being unfortunate.
Used as a noun or na-adjective to describe a state of bad luck. Very common in everyday speech.
To express a grave or deeply unfortunate event, often with emotional weight.
Means 'tragedy'. Used for events that are not just unlucky but deeply sad and often with a sense of drama.
To refer to misfortune in an abstract or philosophical sense, often in sayings.
Used in proverbs and abstract discussions about misfortune.
不幸 (ふこう) is broader and can mean both 'unhappiness' and 'misfortune', often with an emotional nuance. 不運 (ふうん) specifically means 'bad luck' or 'unlucky', focusing on chance. For a simple unlucky event, 不運 is often more precise; for a tragic event, 不幸 is better.
Unfortunately, he failed the exam.
Misfortunes piled up and it was tough.
It was an unfortunate accident.
Unfortunately, it started to rain.
災難を避ける方法を考えよう。
Let's think of ways to avoid misfortune.
He's exhausted from a series of misfortunes.
He led an unfortunate life.
My bad luck continues.
Can also describe a state of unhappiness or misfortune, but often carries a heavier emotional tone.
He was born into unfortunate circumstances.
A very common, casual phrase meaning 'to have bad luck'. It's the most natural way to say someone is unlucky in daily conversation.
That accident was a great misfortune.
We must not repeat such misfortunes.
Refers to a disastrous or tragic event, often used in news or formal contexts for accidents or calamities.
The misfortune claimed many victims.
Can also be used for serious misfortunes, especially when emphasizing the unhappiness caused.
His death is a great misfortune for the family.
Misfortune comes suddenly.
A slightly literary or old-fashioned word for calamity or misfortune, often used in proverbs.
Turn misfortune into fortune.
彼女の人生は不幸だった。
Her life was full of misfortune/unhappiness.
Using 不幸 for small everyday mishaps can sound overly dramatic. For minor bad luck, use 運が悪い (うんがわるい) or ついてない (casual).
I missed the train. What bad luck.