Japanese word

福

Pronunciation

Romajifuku

Meaning

  • noungood fortune

Example

今年は福に恵まれています。kotoshi wa fuku ni megu ma re te i ma su

This year, I am blessed with good fortune.

Illustration for 福 (good fortune)

More examples

祖父は家族に福を分けてくれる人でした。so fu wa ka zoku ni fuku o wa ke te ku re ru hito de shi ta

My grandfather was someone who shared his good fortune with the family.

Core concept

Describes a favorable turn in life that brings well-being or valuable benefits.

Common phrases

  • 福を招くfuku o mane ku

    invite good fortune

  • 福をもたらすfuku o mo ta ra su

    bring good fortune

  • 福を授かるfuku o sazu ka ru

    receive good fortune

Similar words

幸運kōun: Good fortune that brings a favorable result or opportunity.
福運fukuun: A state of good fortune that brings blessings and prosperity.

Definition in Japanese

神仏や運などによってもたらされる、望ましい幸せや利益。shin butsu ya un na do ni yo tte mo ta ra sa re ru nozo ma shi i shiawa se ya ri eki

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese noun 福 (fuku, "good fortune") comes from the Chinese character 福, whose older form depicts a wine vessel offered before an altar and links ritual offerings with blessings.

Usage tips

  • The character 福 (fuku) appears in 福袋 (fukubukuro), a lucky bag whose contents are sold as a surprise at New Year.

Other meanings

  • blessingnoun
  • happinessnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word