Meaning

Primary

Unhappiness

Alternatives

Misfortune, Misery, Death

Word Type

noun, な adjective

Explanation

When you do not have happiness, you have unhappiness, misfortune and misery. This can also mean death, usually of a family member.

Reading

ふこう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 自分の不幸

    one's own misfortune

    他人の不幸

    other people's misfortune

    人の不幸

    somebody's misfortune

Context Sentences

まるで不幸のどん底のようにいるような顔をしてるけど、大丈夫?

You look as if you're in the depths of misfortune. Are you okay?

家族に不幸があったので、明日、明後日会社を休ませてください。

There was a death in my family. Can I take tomorrow and the day after off?

不幸は仲間を好むってよく言うけど、それって私があなたと付き合っている理由をうまく説明しているよね。

They say misery loves company, which explains why I’m dating you.

Kanji Composition