幸

JLPT N3

Happiness, luck

Readings

On’yomi: コウ, サイ (kō, sai)

Kun’yomi: しあわ(せ), さいわ(い) , さち (shiawa(se), saiwa(i), sachi)

• しあわ(せ) – happiness, good fortune • さいわ(い) – fortunate, happy • さち – blessing, good luck

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

幸せ

しあわせ

happiness

不幸

ふこう

misfortune

幸運

こううん

good luck

幸福

こうふく

happiness

幸い

さいわい

fortunately

Example Sentences

幸せです。

しあわせです。

I am happy.

不幸な出来事です。

ふこうなできごとです。

It is an unfortunate event.

幸運です。

こううんです。

I am lucky.

幸福を感じます。

こうふくをかんじます。

I feel happiness.

幸いでした。

さいわいでした。

Fortunately.

Cultural Note

🌸 In Japanese culture, 幸 symbolizes more than mere luck — it embodies contentment, gratitude, and harmony.
• 幸せ (shiawase) often refers to emotional peace and fulfillment rather than material success.
• Expressions like 幸運を祈る (“wishing good luck”) are common before exams or new ventures.
• The opposite, 不幸 (ふこう), signifies not only misfortune but also emotional sorrow or loss.
• In Shinto and Buddhist traditions, 幸 is associated with blessings from deities and nature.