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.
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.
Today's fortune was 'great misfortune'.
Another unlucky day in the rokuyō cycle, considered bad except around noon.
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.
Today is really an unlucky day.
A more literal and neutral way to say 'a day with bad luck'.
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.
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.
On an unlucky day, nothing goes well.
今日は厄日だ。朝からトラブル続きだ。
Today is a calamitous day. Troubles since morning.
It's better not to do important things on an unlucky day.