縁起が悪い (engi ga warui - bad omen, inauspicious)
Grammar & Usage
How it works
This phrase literally translates to 'omen is bad.' 縁起 (engi) means 'omen' or 'luck,' and が (ga) is a subject particle. 悪い (warui) is an i-adjective meaning 'bad.' It functions like an adjective describing the nature of an omen or situation.
Sample sentences
鏡が割れるのは縁起が悪いと言われています。
It is said that a broken mirror is a bad omen.
黒猫が道を横切るのは縁起が悪いと思う人もいます。
Some people think that a black cat crossing your path is bad luck.
新しい事業を始める日に雨が降ると、縁起が悪いと感じる人もいるかもしれません。
Some people might feel it's a bad omen if it rains on the day they start a new business.
Quick facts
Mnemonic
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Example
鏡が割れるのは縁起が悪いと言われています。
It is said that a broken mirror is a bad omen.
黒猫が道を横切るのは縁起が悪いと思う人もいます。
Some people think that a black cat crossing your path is bad luck.
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