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    縁起が悪い (engi ga warui - unlucky, bad omen)

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    neutral

    How it works

    This phrase literally translates to 'luck/omen is bad'. 縁起 (engi) refers to omens, luck, or signs, often in a superstitious context. が (ga) is a subject particle, indicating that 縁起 is the subject. 悪い (warui) is an i-adjective meaning 'bad' or 'poor'. It is used to describe something that is considered inauspicious or to have brought bad luck.

    Sample sentences

    黒猫が道を横切ると縁起が悪いと言われています。

    It is said that a black cat crossing your path is a bad omen.

    今日、朝から何もかもうまくいかなくて、なんだか縁起が悪い。

    Nothing has gone well since this morning; it feels like a bad omen.

    こんな不吉な話は、あまり縁起が悪いからやめましょう。

    Let's stop talking about such an ominous story, it's very inauspicious.

    Quick facts

    emphasis:Can be used as a direct comment on an event or object, or as a reason for avoiding something.
    cultural_context:The concept of 縁起 is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, influencing daily decisions, rituals, and traditional beliefs. Things like breaking a mirror or a black cat crossing one's path might be considered 縁起が悪い, similar to Western superstitions.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    黒猫が道を横切ると縁起が悪いと言われています。

    It is said that a black cat crossing your path is a bad omen.

    今日、朝から何もかもうまくいかなくて、なんだか縁起が悪い。

    Nothing has gone well since this morning; it feels like a bad omen.

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