Kanji meanings › Luck
Kanji for Luck
Japanese has more than one kanji connected to “luck”: 運、吉、倖. Each has its own feeling. Compare their meanings, readings and the names they appear in.
fortune
Luck and destiny, and the power to move forward.
12 strokes On reading ウン (un) Kun reading はこぶ (hakobu) JLPT N3
Dictionary meanings: carry, luck, destiny, fate, lot
Readings used for names on Nazuke: un
In Japan it appears in about 63 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, in both boys’ and girls’ names.
good luck
Good fortune and happy omens.
At shrines, 吉 on a fortune slip means good luck.
6 strokes On reading キチ、キツ (kichi, kitsu) Kun reading よし (yoshi) JLPT N1
Dictionary meanings: good luck, joy, congratulations
Readings used for names on Nazuke: kichi, kitsu, yo, yoshi
In Japan it appears in about 1,172 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, mostly in boys’ names.
More about 吉 →good fortune
Luck that arrives unexpectedly; a happy turn of fate.
10 strokes On reading コウ (kou) Kun reading しあわせ、さいわい (shiawase, saiwai) JLPT N1
Dictionary meanings: happiness, luck
Readings used for names on Nazuke: kou
In Japan it appears in about 70 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, mostly in girls’ names.
More about 倖 →Thinking of a tattoo? A single kanji like these is meaningful on its own, but ask a native speaker to check the exact form and stroke order before you commit.
Put it in your name
Nazuke writes your first name in kanji, choosing characters for both sound and meaning.