운
un
Luck in Korean is expressed as 운 (un). Wiktionary also lists 재수 (jaesu).
Meaning: something that happens to someone by chance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 운 | un | |
| 재수 | jaesu | [t͡ɕɛsʰu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [t͡ɕe̞sʰu] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term 운 refers to something that happens to someone by chance. To describe someone being lucky, you can use the phrase 운이 따르다. While 운 is the standard noun, the word 행운 is also a standard and most commonly used word for luck in Korean.
Which one should you use?
운 is the standard, neutral word for 'luck' or 'fortune'. In contrast, 재수 is used in a specific colloquial sense. While it can relate to luck, it is most frequently used as part of the slang expression 재수 없다 to describe someone being annoying, unpleasant or 'unlucky' in a way that makes them disagreeable.
How do you pronounce it?
un
Did you know?
- The word 재수 can be written with different Hanja to mean 'studying again', which is a common term for students preparing for university entrance exams a second time.
- Because 재수 is used in slang to mean 'unpleasant', telling someone they have 'bad luck' using this specific word can accidentally sound like you are insulting their personality.
Examples in context
- 오늘 아침부터 재수 없네요!I'm having no luck since morning today!This sentence shows how to use 재수 to express having no luck.
- 운은 인생에서 중요한 역할을 합니다.Luck plays an important part in your life.This sentence uses 운 to illustrate the role of luck in life.
- 행운을 빕니다Wishing you luck.
- 행운이 함께하기를May luck be with you.
- 오늘 진짜 운이 좋다Today, I'm really lucky.
- 정말 행운이 있어You are really lucky.
- 좋은 길만 있기를Wishing you only good luck in your path.
- 행운이 항상 함께 하기를 바랍니다May luck always be with you!
- 그는 운이 정말 좋은 사람이에요.geuneun uni jeongmal joeun saramieyo.He is a very lucky person.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are talking about winning a small prize.
- 지훈 Ji-hun민지 씨, 저 경품 당첨됐어요!Minji ssi, jeo gyeongpum dangcheomdwesseoyo!Minji, I won a prize!
- 민지 Min-ji와, 정말 운이 좋으시네요.Wa, jeongmal uni joeusineyo.Wow, you are really lucky.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그러게요. 전혀 기대 안 했거든요.Geureogeyo. Jeonhyeo gidae an haetgeodeunyo.I know. I didn't expect it at all.
- 민지 Min-ji축하해요, 지훈 씨!Chukhahaeyo, Jihoon ssi!Congratulations, Jihoon!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “luck” translations and entries 운, 재수, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 운, 재수, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
