ふく

good fortune

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The character (fú) primarily means 'good fortune,' 'blessing,' or 'happiness.' It is commonly used in cultural contexts related to luck and prosperity, especially during festivals like the Chinese New Year.

Common Collocations

  • (tiē fú zì): to paste the character , usually on doors or windows to invite good luck.
  • 福气 (fúqì): a noun meaning 'blessing' or 'good fortune,' often referring to one's fate or luck.
  • 幸福 (xìngfú): happiness or well-being, often used to describe emotional or family happiness.

Usage Notes

is often seen in decorations and greetings wishing others good luck and happiness. It can be used both as a standalone noun and as part of compound words. When used in phrases like , it carries a strong cultural significance tied to traditional customs.

Common Confusion

should not be confused with (fù), which means 'wealth.' While both relate to positive outcomes, emphasizes luck and blessings rather than material wealth.

Example Sentences

When the New Year arrives, everyone likes to paste the character ‘福’ on the

He believes that having health and family happiness is the true blessing.

This temple is famous for praying for blessings and well-being.