JLPT N3

Meaning and Usage

The word "運" (うん) primarily means "fortune" or "luck" in Japanese. It is often used to talk about good or bad luck in everyday situations, such as winning a lottery, having a fortunate day, or experiencing misfortune.

Common Collocations

  • 運がいい (うんがいい): good luck
  • 運が悪い (うんがわるい): bad luck
  • 運を天に任せる (うんをてんにまかせる): to leave one's luck to fate or heaven

Usage Notes

"運" is a noun and is frequently combined with adjectives like "いい" (good) or "悪い" (bad) to describe the quality of one's luck. It can also be used in expressions that imply leaving outcomes to fate. This word is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and polite conversations.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "運" with "運動" (うんどう, exercise) due to similar readings. Remember that "運" alone refers to luck or fortune, not physical activity.

Summary

Use "運" when discussing luck or fortune in various contexts. Pair it with adjectives or set phrases to express good or bad luck, or the idea of fate controlling outcomes.

Example Sentences

きょうはうんがいいから、たからくじがあたるかもしれない。

I'm lucky today, so I might win the lottery.

うんをてんにまかせて、けっかをまとう。

Let's leave our luck to heaven and wait for the result.

うんがわるくて、でんしゃにおくれてしまった。

I was unlucky and ended up being late for the train.