also: さっき
misfortune; adverse fortune; hapless fate
Refers to an unlucky or unfortunate destiny, often with a literary or slightly formal tone. Can be used as a noun or adjectival noun.
checkered; eventful; full of ups and downs
Describes a life, career, or path marked by many changes, often dramatic or varied. Commonly used in the phrase 数奇な人生 (a checkered life).
He led a checkered life.
His whole life was at the mercy of a hapless fate.
By a twist of adverse fortune, they met again.
The writer's eventful career attracted attention.
Standard kanji spelling for both senses; the reading すうき is the most common.
Rare reading; may be encountered in older texts or literary contexts.
The kanji 数 (number/fate) and 奇 (strange/unusual) combine to suggest an unusual or fated course of events. The reading すうき is the standard on'yomi; the alternative reading さっき is irregular and rare.