ゲン担かつぎ

げ

ん

か

つ

ぎ

Meanings

superstitious act for good luck; lucky charm behavior

Refers to doing something superstitious in hopes of bringing good luck, such as wearing lucky colors or avoiding unlucky words. Often used in the phrase ゲン担ぎをする.

試し合あいの前まえはいつもゲン担かつぎに同おなじ靴くつ下したを履はく。
Before a match, I always wear the same socks as a good-luck superstition.
彼かれはゲン担かつぎで、試し験けんの日ひは必かならずカツ丼どんを食たべる。
He is superstitious about luck, so he always eats katsudon on exam day.

See all 3 example sentences ›

Kanji

担shouldering, carry, raise
験verification, effect, testing

Related words

縁えん起ぎ担かつぎ
縁起担ぎ is a broader term for doing something to bring good luck or avoid bad luck, often based on traditional beliefs. ゲン担ぎ is more casual and personal, focusing on small superstitious habits.
迷めい信しん
迷信 means 'superstition' in general, often with a negative connotation of irrational belief. ゲン担ぎ is a lighter, more playful term for personal lucky rituals.

Built from

ゲン+担かつぐ

Written forms

ゲン担かつぎ
Common mixed kanji-katakana spelling; ゲン is often written in katakana for emphasis.
験げん担かつぎ
Full kanji spelling; less common but still seen.

Etymology

From 験 (げん, 'luck' or 'omen') + 担ぎ (かつぎ, 'carrying' or 'bearing'), literally 'carrying luck'. The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely arose from the idea of carrying or bearing a good omen.