幸運を祈ります
kouun o inorimasu
In Japanese, "I wish you luck" is expressed as 幸運を祈ります (kouun o inorimasu).
This phrase is used to express a hope that someone will be successful in a future endeavor. This phrase is quite formal and is often used in written correspondence or formal speeches rather than casual conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 幸運 (kouun), which literally means "good fortune" or "luck".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 幸運を祈ります is polite. For a more informal version used with friends or equals, you can use the dictionary form 幸運を祈る. In casual settings, you might also use Ganbare to mean "Good luck", "Do your best" or "Hang in there". In formal contexts, other variations exist: Ganbatte kudasai can mean "Please do your best" or "Good luck", Seikou o inorimasu means "I pray for your success" and Saikou no kouun o inotte imasu means "I am praying for the best of luck".
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form 幸運を祈ります uses the polite -masu verb ending.
How do you pronounce it?
kouun o inorimasu
Did you know?
- If you use the casual 幸運を祈る with a superior, it may be interpreted as quite arrogant, as it sounds like you are granting them your blessing.
- When using 頑張ってください (ganbatte kudasai) to wish luck, the speaker is literally asking the listener to 'persist' or 'endure', which can feel like a demand for hard work rather than a passive wish for luck.
- The word 幸運 (kouun) shares its first character, 幸, with the word for 'happiness', meaning that wishing someone luck is linguistically linked to wishing them a happy life.
Examples in context
- あなたの成功と幸運を祈ります。Anata no seikou to kouun o inorimasu.I wish you success and luck.
- 試験の合格と幸運を祈ります。Shiken no goukaku to kouun o inorimasu.I wish you luck with passing the exam.
- 新しい挑戦に幸運を祈ります。Atarashii chousen ni kouun o inorimasu.I wish you luck in your new challenge.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are talking before Yota's job interview.
- 結衣 Yui陽太さん、面接がんばってくださいね。Yota-san, mensetsu ganbatte kudasai ne.Yota, please do your best at the interview.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう。緊張しているけど頑張るよ。Arigatou. Kinchou shite iru kedo ganbaru yo.Thanks. I'm nervous, but I'll do my best.
- 結衣 Yuiあなたの幸運を祈ります！Anata no kouun o inorimasu!I wish you luck!
- 陽太 Yota結衣さん、応援ありがとう。Yui-san, ouen arigatou.Yui, thank you for the support.
