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    縁起を担ぐ (engi o katsugu - to be superstitious, to be concerned about omens)

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    neutral

    How it works

    This phrase combines the noun 縁起 (engi - omen, luck, auspicious signs) with the direct object particle を (o) and the verb 担ぐ (katsugu - to carry on one's shoulder, to believe in, to be superstitious). The verb 担ぐ, in this context, takes on the meaning of believing in or being concerned about the omen, hence 'to be superstitious'.

    Sample sentences

    彼はよく縁起を担ぐので、試験の前には必ずカツ丼を食べます。

    He is very superstitious, so he always eats katsudon before an exam.

    若い人でも意外と縁起を担ぐタイプが多いですね。

    Surprisingly, many young people are also the superstitious type.

    私の祖母は、黒猫が道を横切ると縁起が悪いと信じて、いつも縁起を担いでいました。

    My grandmother was always superstitious, believing it was bad luck when a black cat crossed her path.

    Quick facts

    etymology:The original meaning of 担ぐ is 'to carry on one's shoulder'. The figurative meaning 'to believe in, to be superstitious' comes from the idea of 'carrying' or 'upholding' a belief, often without rational basis, much like a burden or an important item. This expression specifically refers to beliefs about omens and luck.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    彼はよく縁起を担ぐので、試験の前には必ずカツ丼を食べます。

    He is very superstitious, so he always eats katsudon before an exam.

    若い人でも意外と縁起を担ぐタイプが多いですね。

    Surprisingly, many young people are also the superstitious type.

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