縁起がいい
engi ga ii
The English word "auspicious" is translated into Japanese as 縁起がいい (engi ga ii).
The phrase 縁起がいい is used to describe objects, animals, colors or events that are believed to bring good fortune or indicate future success.
Meaning: indicating future success (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something is inauspicious or a bad omen, you change the adjective to its negative form 縁起がよくない.
How do you pronounce it?
engi ga ii
Did you know?
- In Japan, the number four is considered 縁起がよくない because the word for four, shi, sounds like the word for 'death'.
- The term 縁起 originates from Buddhist terminology, where it describes the law of dependent origination or the cause and effect of all things.
- The owl is often seen as 縁起がいい in Japan because the word for owl, fukurō, can be written with characters meaning 'luck' and 'come'.
Examples in context
- 縁起物を持つ (Engimono o motsu)To carry something auspicious
- 縁起物のお守り (Engimono no o-mamori)An auspicious amulet
- 喜ばしい結果 (Yorokobashii kekka)An auspicious outcome
- 吉日 (Kichijitsu)Auspicious day
- 吉報を待つ (Kihō o matsu)To wait for good news
- この色は縁起がいいですね。Kono iro wa engi ga ii desu ne.This color is auspicious, isn't it?
- 新しい門出には縁起がいい言葉を選びます。Atarashii kadode ni wa engi ga ii kotoba o erabimasu.I will choose auspicious words for a new beginning.
- 縁起がいい夢を見た。Engi ga ii yume o mita.I had an auspicious dream.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing a gift for a wedding.
- 健太 Kenta結婚祝いに何を贈りましょうか？Kekkon iwai ni nani o okurimashou ka?What should we give as a wedding gift?
- 陽葵 Himari縁起がいいものを選びたいですね。Engi ga ii mono o erabitai desu ne.I want to choose something auspicious.
- 健太 Kentaそれなら、この扇子がぴったりですよ。Sorenara, kono sensu ga pittari desu yo.In that case, this folding fan is perfect.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さん、それはとても素敵ですね。Kenta-san, sore wa totemo suteki desu ne.Kenta, that is very lovely.
