Japanese Symbol for
運un
luck · fortune · fate
Readings
Meaning
Luck, fortune, fate, destiny. 運 is the standard word for luck in Japanese. Interestingly, the same kanji also means "to carry/transport" — luck is something that is carried to you.
Example words
幸運
kōun
good luck, good fortune
運勢
unsei
fortune, luck, horoscope
天運
tenun
destiny, will of heaven, luck
強運
kyōun
great luck, extraordinary fortune
不運
fuun
bad luck, misfortune
僥倖
gyōkō
windfall, lucky break, godsend
Japan has a rich culture of luck charms. 御守り (omamori) are shrine talismans for different kinds of luck — health, love, exams, traffic safety. Maneki-neko (招き猫, beckoning cat) with a raised paw is one of the world's most recognizable luck symbols, originating from Japanese shops and restaurants.
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