幸運

• Reading: こううん
• Romaji: kouun
• Kanji breakdown: 幸 (kou) — happiness, luck; 運 (un) — fate, fortune, carry
• Pronunciation: /koː.ɯɴ/

Meaning

Good luck; good fortune. Describes a favourable turn of events or a blessed state.

A na-adjective and noun. As an adjective: 幸運な出来事 (a fortunate event). As a noun: 幸運に恵まれる (to be blessed with good fortune). More formal and literary than ラッキー. The antonym is 不運 (fuun, bad luck). Often appears in written Japanese, speeches, and well-wishes.

Examples

1. 財布を拾ってもらえたのは幸運だった。 It was lucky that someone found and returned my wallet.
2. 幸運なことに電車に間に合った。 Fortunately, I made it to the train in time.
3. 彼女は幸運に恵まれて成功した。 She was blessed with good fortune and found success.

Usage Guide

Context: well-wishes, narrative, reflection

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 幸 (kou, happiness/luck) and 運 (un, fate/carry). 幸 depicts a hand receiving something from above, while 運 combines 辶 (movement) and 軍 (army/group), suggesting fate in motion.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal