Translation and Meaning of: 運 - un

The Japanese word 運[うん] is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings in the culture and daily life of Japan. If you have ever wondered what it means, how it is used, or even how to memorize it, this article will help you uncover all that. We will explore everything from the basic meaning to cultural curiosities, along with practical tips for those learning Japanese. And if you want to go further, Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, can be a great tool to complement your studies.

Meaning and usage of 運 [うん]

運[うん] is a word that means "luck" or "fate" in Japanese. It is often used to refer to luck in general, whether good or bad. For example, when someone is having a very lucky day, they might say they have "いい運" (ii un), while an unlucky day would be "悪い運" (warui un).

The interesting thing is that 運 is not limited to just random luck. In some contexts, it can also indicate fate or that which is beyond our control. This duality makes the word quite versatile and present in various everyday situations in Japan.

Origin and writing of the kanji 運

The kanji 運 is composed of the radical 辶, which is related to movement, and the part 軍, which refers to an army or group. Together, these elements suggest the idea of something that "moves together" or "is guided," which makes sense when we think of luck or destiny as forces that guide our lives.

According to the Kangorin dictionary, one of the most respected references in the study of kanji, 運 can also carry nuances of "transport" or "circulation," but this usage is less common in modern Japanese. Today, the word is more associated with the concept of luck and chance, especially in everyday expressions.

How 運 is perceived in Japanese culture

In Japan, the idea of 運 is deeply connected to superstitions and rituals. Many Japanese people believe that luck can be influenced by specific actions, such as visiting temples on New Year's or carrying lucky charms (omamori). This practical view of luck differs somewhat from the Western notion, where chance is often seen as something entirely random.

Another curious aspect is that 運 appears frequently in games and competitions. Phrases like "運も実力のうち" (un mo jitsuryoku no uchi), which means "luck is also a skill," show how the concept is integrated even in situations where personal merit is valued. This expression is so popular that it even appears in animes and dramas as a reminder that luck can make a difference.

Tips for memorizing and using 運[うん]

An effective way to remember the kanji 運 is to associate its radical 辶 (movement) with the idea that luck "comes and goes." The part 軍 can be remembered as an "army" of opportunities that arise in life. This visual association helps to avoid confusion with other similar kanjis.

To practice using the word, try creating simple sentences like "今日は運がいい" (kyou wa un ga ii - today I’m lucky) or "運を試す" (un o tamesu - test your luck). Using 運 in real contexts, such as when playing a game or commenting on a random event, also helps to internalize its meaning naturally.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 運命 (Unmei) - Destiny, luck, fate
• 運転 (Unten) - Driving, steering, operating (a vehicle)
• 運賃 (Unchin) - Rate, transportation cost
• 運動 (Undou) - Exercise, movement (physical)
• 運営 (Unei) - Administration, management (of an organization)
• 運送 (Unsou) - Transport, shipping (of goods)
• 幸運 (Kouun) - Luck, good luck (emphasis on blessing or favor)
• 運用 (Unyou) - Use, application (of resources or skills)
• 運河 (Ungawa) - Canal, navigable waterway
• 運命的 (Unmeiteki) - Destiny, fate (with connotation of inevitability)

運

Romaji: un
Kana: うん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: fortune; luck

Meaning in English: fortune;luck

Definition: The way things are progressing.

Example Sentences - (運) un

See below some example sentences:

死亡は避けられない運命です。

Shibou wa yokerarenai unmei desu

Death is an inevitable fate.

Death is an inevitable fate.

• 死亡 - Death
• は - Topic particle
• 避けられない - inevitable
• 運命 - destination
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

このサイトの運営はとても素晴らしいです。

Kono saito no un'ei wa totemo subarashii desu

The management of this site is very good.

The operation of this site is very wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• サイト - noun "website"
• の - possessive particle "of"
• 運営 - noun "management"
• は - topic particle "about"
• とても - adverb "very"
• 素晴らしい - adjective "wonderful"
• です - verb "to be/estar" in the present tense

オートマチックな車は運転が楽です。

Ootomachikku na kuruma wa unten ga raku desu

An automatic car is easy to drive.

Automatic cars are easy to drive.

• オートマチックな - adjective that means "automatic"
• 車 - noun that means "car"
• は - Topic particle
• 運転 - noun that means "to direct"
• が - subject particle
• 楽 - adjective that means "easy" or "comfortable"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

コーチは運動選手を指導する人です。

Kōchi wa undō senshu wo shidō suru hito desu

A coach is someone who guides athletes.

The coach is a person who teaches athletic players.

• コーチ - trainer
• は - Topic particle
• 運動選手 - athlete
• を - direct object particle
• 指導する - instruct
• 人 - person
• です - is

このシステムの運用はスムーズに行われています。

Kono shisutemu no unyō wa sumūzu ni okonawarete imasu

The operation of this system is carried out smoothly.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• システム - substantive that means "system"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 運用 - noun that means "operation" or "maintenance"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• スムーズに - adverb that means "gently" or "without problems"
• 行われています - verb meaning "to be carried out" or "to be executed" in the present continuous

テニスコートで運動するのが好きです。

Tenisukōto de undō suru no ga suki desu

I like to exercise on the tennis field.

I like to exercise on a tennis court.

• テニスコート (tenisukōto) - tennis court
• で (de) - in, no, na
• 運動 (undō) - exercise, physical activity
• する (suru) - make
• のが (noga) - partítulo que indica que algo é o que se gosta de fazer
• 好き (suki) - like
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

マラソンは健康に良い運動です。

Marason wa kenkou ni yoi undou desu

Marathon is a healthy exercise.

The marathon is a good exercise for your health.

• マラソン - Marathon
• は - Topic particle
• 健康 - health
• に - Target particle
• 良い - Good
• 運動 - exercise
• です - sentence-final particle

不運なことが起こった。

Fūn na koto ga okotta

Unhappy things happened.

• 不運な - unhappy, unlucky
• こと - thing, subject
• が - subject particle
• 起こった - happened, occurred

勝敗は時に運命を決める。

Shōhai wa toki ni unmei o kimeru

Victory is sometimes destiny.

• 勝敗 - victory or defeat
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 時に - sometimes
• 運命 - destination
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 決める - decide

四つの葉があるクローバーは幸運をもたらすと言われています。

Yottsu no ha ga aru kurōbā wa kōun o motarasu to iwarete imasu

Clover with four leaves is said to bring good luck.

• 四つの葉があるクローバー - a four-leaf clover
• は - Topic particle
• 幸運をもたらす - bring luck
• と - Quote particle
• 言われています - it is said