运气 — meaning in English: luck

yùnqì · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for luck

历史

lìshǐ

父

fù

硬币

yìngbì

关系

guānxì

运气

yùnqì

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word 运气 when discussing fortunes in games, love, or career opportunities. For example, you might hear it during a friendly card game, where someone might say they have 'good luck' or 运气好 to describe their fortunate hand. It can also surface in casual conversations about life events, like getting a job offer or winning a prize, highlighting the role of chance in those moments.

Synonyms & nuances

运气 is often compared to the word 幸运 (xìngyùn), which also means 'luck' but carries a connotation of being fortunate or blessed. While 运气 may refer to luck in a more situational context, 幸运 implies a more inherent or enduring state of good fortune. You would choose 运气 when discussing specific events or situations, while 幸运 feels more general.

Culture

The term 运气 combines the characters for 'transportation' (运) and 'energy/air' (气), which traditionally symbolizes the flow of luck or fortune in one's life. In Chinese culture, luck is often associated with various rituals and beliefs, such as the use of lucky numbers and auspicious dates for significant life events. Interestingly, many Chinese people believe that one's 运气 can be influenced by their actions and mindset, aligning with the philosophy of creating one's own destiny.

FAQ

Q.What does 运气 mean in English?

运气 translates to 'luck' in English, referring to the fortune or chance that influences events in life. It's a commonly used term in everyday conversations among Mandarin speakers.

Q.How do you use 运气 in a sentence?

You can use 运气 in a sentence like: '我今天运气很好' (Wǒ jīntiān yùnqì hěn hǎo), which means 'I have good luck today.' This shows how 运气 is often tied to current circumstances.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 运气?

A common mistake is confusing 运气 with 幸运. While both mean 'luck', 运气 is typically used in contexts of chance occurrences, while 幸运 refers to a general state of being lucky. Be mindful of the context to choose the appropriate term.

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