Japanese word

不吉

Pronunciation

Romajifukitsu

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveominous

Example

その知らせは不吉です。so no shi ra se wa fu kitsu de su

That news is ominous.

Illustration for 不吉 (ominous)

More examples

彼はその数字を不吉なものだと考えています。kare wa so no sū ji o fu kitsu na mo no da to kanga e te i ma su

He considers that number ominous.

Core concept

Describes a warning sign or situation that feels connected to future misfortune.

Common phrases

  • 不吉な予感fu kitsu na yo kan

    ominous feeling

Similar words

不祥fushō: Describes something regarded as a warning of bad luck or misfortune.
不穏fuon: Describes an uneasy condition or atmosphere that hints at trouble ahead.
不気味fukimi: Describes something that feels eerie because it is strange or unsettling.

Definition in Japanese

悪いことの前触れのようで、縁起が悪いさま。waru i ko to no mae bu re no yō de en gi ga waru i sa ma

Word origin

不吉 (fukitsu) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 不 (fu, "not") and 吉 (kitsu, "good fortune"), literally marking something as lacking good fortune.

Usage tips

  • In English, ominous often modifies a sound, silence, or atmosphere that suggests trouble, while the word can also describe a sign or event.

Other meanings

  • inauspiciousna-adjective
  • unluckyna-adjective

Opposites

  • 吉kichigood fortunenoun

Related words

  • 不吉さfukitsusaominousnessnoun

Word lists with this word