ご武運を
gobuun o
The English phrase godspeed can be translated into Japanese as ご武運を (gobuun o).
ご武運を is used to wish that the outcome of a person's actions or a specific struggle be positive for them. It is used specifically for success in a competition, a struggle or a dangerous endeavor, rather than as a general way to say 'good luck'.
Meaning: used to express the wish that the outcome of a person's actions be positive for them (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
This expression is a truncated version of gobuun o inoru, which means 'pray for your martial fortune'. The part bu refers to martial matters or warfare, while un means luck or fortune.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ご武運を carries a heavy, somewhat archaic or dramatic tone. You will often see it in literature or historical dramas, but it is not used in casual daily conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ends with the particle を, which implies an omitted verb such as inoru (to pray) or negau (to wish). This makes it a common elliptical expression.
How do you pronounce it?
gobuun o
Did you know?
- In modern Japanese pop culture, ご武運を is often used by fictional villains or commanders as a dramatic way to say 'good luck' to an enemy they expect to defeat.
- While ご武運を is the historical way to wish a warrior success, modern Japanese speakers use 頑張って ('ganbatte') to encourage someone in a struggle, which focuses on effort rather than 'fortune'.
- In modern pop culture, such as anime or video games, this phrase is often used as a 'battle cry' before a major boss fight or a life-or-death mission. It marks the transition from normal dialogue to high-stakes drama.
Examples in context
- 戦場へ向かう君に、ご武運を。Senjou e mukau kimi ni, gobuun o.Godspeed to you as you head to the battlefield.
- 勝利を掴めるよう、ご武運を。Shouri o tsukameru you, gobuun o.Godspeed, so that you may seize victory.
Example conversation
A fantasy setting where a warrior is departing for a critical quest.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、これを持って行って。Himari, kore o motte itte.Himari, please take this with you.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、陽太。行ってくるね。Arigatou, Youta. Itte kuru ne.Thank you, Youta. I'm off.
- 陽太 Yotaどうかご武運を。Douka gobuun o.I wish you godspeed.
- 陽葵 Himari必ず、生きて戻るわ。Kanarazu, ikite modoru wa.I will definitely return alive.
