noun
mishap; misfortune; calamity; disaster
Refers to an unfortunate event or disaster. Often used in literary or formal contexts. The kanji 禍事 is especially associated with this meaning.
その年の禍事は人々の記憶に深く刻まれた。
That year's calamity was deeply etched in people's memories.
禍事が続くときは、気を引き締めなければならない。
When misfortunes continue, one must stay vigilant.
noun
ominous word; ill-omened word
Only when written 禍言
A word that brings bad luck or is considered a bad omen. This sense is rare and specifically associated with the kanji 禍言.
古い文献では、禍言を口にすることは避けられた。
In old texts, speaking ominous words was avoided.
Specifically used for the 'ominous word' sense. Rare overall.
Compound of 禍 (まが, 'calamity, misfortune') + 事 (こと, 'thing, matter') or 言 (こと, 'word'). The reading まがごと is the modern form; まがこと is an obsolete kana usage. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.