縁起を担ぐ

• Reading: えんぎをかつぐ
• Romaji: engi wo katsugu
• Kanji breakdown: 縁 (en) — fate, connection; 起 (ki) — rise, begin; 担 (tan/katsu) — carry, shoulder
• Pronunciation: /eɴ.ɡi.o.ka.tsɯ.ɡɯ/

Meaning

To be superstitious; to believe in omens. To pay attention to signs of good or bad luck.

An idiomatic expression combining 縁起 (omen, luck) and 担ぐ (to carry, to shoulder). Describes the tendency to interpret everyday events as lucky or unlucky signs and to adjust behaviour accordingly. Common examples include avoiding the number 4, not sticking chopsticks upright in rice, or carrying lucky charms before exams.

Examples

1. 母は縁起を担いで試験の日に赤い服を着せた。 My mother dressed me in red on exam day for good luck.
2. 彼は縁起を担ぐタイプで黒猫を避ける。 He's the superstitious type who avoids black cats.
3. 選手たちは縁起を担ぎ、勝利のお守りを持っていた。 The athletes carried good-luck charms to bring them victory.

Usage Guide

Context: superstition, customs, daily life

Tone: casual

Origin & History

The phrase combines 縁起 (from Buddhist terminology meaning karmic connection or omen) with 担ぐ (to carry on one's shoulders). The metaphor is 'shouldering' omens — allowing them to influence one's actions.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal