縁起を担ぐ (engi o katsugu - to be superstitious, to observe a lucky custom)
Grammar & Usage
How it works
This is a transitive verb phrase where '縁起 (engi)' meaning 'omen' or 'luck' is the object, marked by the particle 'を (o)', and '担ぐ (katsugu)' meaning 'to carry on one's shoulder' or metaphorically 'to believe in/to observe' is the verb. It describes the act of believing in or practicing customs related to good or bad omens, often with the nuance of actively observing them to invite good fortune or avoid bad luck.
Sample sentences
彼はいつも試験の前に赤いはちまきをして縁起を担ぐ。
He always wears a red headband before exams to observe a lucky custom.
日本では大晦日に年越しそばを食べるのは縁起を担ぐ行為です。
In Japan, eating Toshikoshi Soba on New Year's Eve is an act of observing a lucky custom.
あまり縁起を担ぐ方ではないけれど、今日は左足から靴を履いてみた。
I'm not usually one to be superstitious, but today I tried putting on my shoes starting with my left foot.
Quick facts
Mnemonic
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Example
彼はいつも試験の前に赤いはちまきをして縁起を担ぐ。
He always wears a red headband before exams to observe a lucky custom.
日本では大晦日に年越しそばを食べるのは縁起を担ぐ行為です。
In Japan, eating Toshikoshi Soba on New Year's Eve is an act of observing a lucky custom.
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