Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'one's fortune' depends on context: general luck/fate, financial fortune, or fortune-telling. The most common and natural expressions are 運 (un) for luck/fate and 運勢 (unsei) for fortune-telling.
Referring to one's overall luck, destiny, or fate in life.
The most common word for 'luck' or 'fortune' in a general sense. Can be used in many contexts.
Referring to one's fortune as predicted by fortune-telling, omikuji, or horoscopes.
Referring to one's financial situation or wealth.
Means 'property' or 'fortune' in the financial sense. Often used for a large amount of wealth.
運がいいですね。
You're lucky.
He had bad luck.
Means 'fate' or 'destiny', often with a more dramatic or predetermined nuance.
That was fate.
Specifically refers to one's fortune or luck as predicted, e.g., in a horoscope or omikuji.
What's your fortune for today?
I got a great fortune on my omikuji.
Means 'fortune-telling' or 'divination'. Can refer to the practice or the result.
Do you believe in fortune-telling?
He built a large fortune.