Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'omen' depends on whether you mean a sign of something to come (often supernatural), a premonition, or a superstition. The most common word is 前兆 (zenchō), but other words like 縁起 (engi) and 予感 (yokan) are used in specific contexts.
A phenomenon believed to foretell the future, often supernatural or fateful.
The most general and neutral word for 'omen' or 'sign' of something to come. Can be used for both positive and negative events, natural or supernatural.
地震の前兆かもしれない。
It might be an omen of an earthquake.
彼はそれを不吉な前兆だと思った。
He thought it was an ominous omen.
A sign or indication, often more subtle or early. Can be used for natural phenomena or changes, not necessarily supernatural.
春の兆しが見え始めた。
Signs of spring have begun to appear.
景気回復の兆しはまだない。
There is still no sign of economic recovery.
A rare, literary term for omen or presage. Not used in everyday speech.
それは戦争の前表であった。
It was an omen of war.
A sign believed to bring good or bad luck, often based on folk belief.
Refers to luck or omen in a superstitious sense. Often used in phrases like 縁起がいい (lucky) or 縁起が悪い (unlucky).
黒猫を見ると縁起が悪いと言う人もいる。
Some people say seeing a black cat is a bad omen.
縁起を担いで、試合の前には必ず同じ靴下を履く。
For good luck, I always wear the same socks before a game.
A bad omen or ill portent. More formal and specific than 縁起が悪い.
A good omen or auspicious sign. Formal.
A feeling that something is going to happen, often without clear evidence.
A premonition or hunch. Can be used for both positive and negative feelings.
何か悪いことが起こる予感がする。
I have a premonition that something bad will happen.
彼女は成功する予感がしていた。
She had a feeling she would succeed.
A gut feeling or intuition, often about something bad. Literally 'insect's notice', it implies a mysterious forewarning.
前兆 is a concrete sign or omen, often observable. 縁起 relates to luck and superstition. 予感 is a subjective feeling or premonition. Use 前兆 for physical signs, 縁起 for luck-based omens, and 予感 for intuitive hunches.
黒雲は嵐の前兆だ。
Dark clouds are an omen of a storm.
四は縁起の悪い数字だ。
Four is an unlucky number.
嫌な予感がする。
I have a bad feeling about this.
The comet was regarded as a bad omen.
虹が出るのは吉兆だと言われている。
A rainbow is said to be a good omen.
虫の知らせで、急に家に電話した。
I suddenly called home because I had a bad feeling.