Kanji 吉: good luck, joy, congratulations

Key takeaways

Kanji 吉: good luck, joy, congratulations. Readings and core meaning.

See vocabulary and examples below.

Kanji at a glance

吉

Meaning

good luckjoycongratulations

On reading

キチキツ

Kun reading

よし

Radical

口

Core meaning: 吉

good luck, joy, congratulations

吉

Structure breakdown

士 + 口

When a scholar (士) opens their mouth (口) to speak, they bring words of good fortune. Think of it as a wise person's words bringing good luck and joy.

キチ

Example 1

あの黒い猫は不吉な気がする。

Translation

That black cat feels ominous.

Example 2

不吉な知らせが届いた。

Translation

An ominous message arrived.