Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of an "unlucky day" is often expressed through specific calendar terms, superstitions, or descriptive phrases. The most common way is to refer to traditional unlucky days like 仏滅 (butsumetsu) or 大凶 (daikyō), or to describe a day when things go wrong.
Referring to a day considered unlucky according to the traditional Japanese calendar (rokuyō), such as 仏滅.
The most unlucky day in the six-day rokuyō cycle. Often avoided for weddings and other celebrations.
今日は仏滅だから、結婚式は避けたほうがいい。
Today is butsumetsu, so it's better to avoid holding a wedding.
Means 'great misfortune' and can be used for a day with a very unlucky fortune, often from omikuji (fortune slips) or astrology.
今日の運勢は大凶だった。
Today's fortune was 'great misfortune'.
Another unlucky day in the rokuyō cycle, considered bad except around noon.
赤口の日は契約を結ばない。
I don't sign contracts on shakkō days.
Describing a day that feels unlucky due to a series of unfortunate events.
A casual, common way to say 'an unlucky day' when things just aren't going your way.
今日は本当についてない日だ。
Today is really an unlucky day.
A more literal and neutral way to say 'a day with bad luck'.
運が悪い日には何をしてもうまくいかない。
On an unlucky day, nothing goes well.
Literally 'calamity day', used for a day when many troubles occur. Somewhat dramatic.
Referring to a day considered unlucky due to Western or other superstitions.
Means 'ominous day' and fits well for superstitiously unlucky days like Friday the 13th.
13日の金曜日は不吉な日と言われている。
Friday the 13th is said to be an unlucky day.
Literally 'a day of bad omen', often used for days with negative superstitions.
縁起の悪い日には大事なことをしないほうがいい。
It's better not to do important things on an unlucky day.
仏滅 (butsumetsu) is a specific calendar day in the rokuyō cycle, while ついてない日 (tsuitenai hi) is a casual expression for any day when you feel unlucky. Use 仏滅 for traditional contexts and ついてない日 for everyday complaints.
The direct translation '不運な日' (fūn na hi) is understandable but less natural than the options above. It sounds somewhat stiff and is not commonly used in conversation.
Today is a calamitous day. Troubles since morning.