Keywords: zouyun, zǒuyùn, 走运, how to say lucky in Chinese, good fortune in Chinese, lucky streak Chinese, to get lucky, 运气, Chinese culture luck, Chinese word for luck
Summary: Discover the meaning of 走运 (zǒuyùn), a common Chinese term for “to be lucky” or “to have good fortune.” More than just a single lucky event, `走运` describes entering a period or a “lucky streak,” as if you are literally “walking into fortune.” This page breaks down its characters, cultural significance, and practical use in modern China, contrasting it with its antonym `倒霉 (dǎoméi)` (to have bad luck) and the more general term `幸运 (xìngyùn)` (fortunate).
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): zǒu yùn
Part of Speech: Verb, Adjective
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: To be in a period of good luck; to have a lucky streak.
In a Nutshell: `走运 (zǒuyùn)` literally translates to “walk luck.” It's not just about being lucky in a single moment, but rather the feeling that things are generally going your way for a period of time. It implies a dynamic shift where fortune has turned in your favor, and you're currently “on a roll.”
Character Breakdown
走 (zǒu): This character means “to walk,” “to go,” or “to move.” Its original form was a pictogram of a person walking. Here, it gives the sense of movement and progression.
运 (yùn): This character means “luck,” “fortune,” or “transport.” It's a key component in words like `运气 (yùnqì)` (luck) and `命运 (mìngyùn)` (destiny).
Together, 走运 (zǒuyùn) creates a vivid image of actively “walking into a phase of good fortune.” The luck isn't static; it's something you are moving through.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, luck (`运`) is often seen as a cyclical and dynamic force, not just a random occurrence. It's a key part of one's `运气 (yùnqì)`, which can be good or bad and can change over time. The concept of `走运` fits perfectly into this worldview. It acknowledges that a person can enter a phase where the flow of events is auspicious.
Comparison to Western Concepts: While an English speaker might say “I got lucky,” which often refers to a single event, or “I'm a lucky person,” which implies a permanent trait, `走运` sits in between. It's more like saying “I'm on a lucky streak” or “Things are finally going my way.” It's less about an inherent quality (“being lucky”) and more about experiencing a favorable cosmic tide. It lacks the “you make your own luck” undertone common in American culture, instead suggesting an external, temporary blessing of good fortune.
Practical Usage in Modern China
`走运` is a very common, informal term used in everyday conversation.
Expressing Genuine Luck: It's frequently used to describe a series of fortunate events, like getting a promotion, winning a small prize, and finding a parking spot all in the same week.
Sarcastic Usage: Like “what great luck I'm having” in English, `走运` can be used sarcastically to complain about misfortune. The tone of voice is key. For example, if you miss your bus and then it starts to rain, you might say to a friend, “我今天真走运 (wǒ jīntiān zhēn zǒuyùn)!”
In Wishes: While you would wish someone `好运 (hǎoyùn)` (good luck), you would comment on their current state by saying they are `走运`.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
我最近好像挺走运的，面试一去就通过了。
Pinyin: Wǒ zuìjìn hǎoxiàng tǐng zǒuyùn de, miànshì yī qù jiù tōngguò le.
English: It seems I've been quite lucky recently; I passed the job interview on my first try.
Analysis: This is a classic use of `走运` to describe a recent positive turn of events. `最近 (zuìjìn)` (recently) is often paired with `走运`.
Example 2:
你今天可走运了！这是最后一个蛋糕，被你买到了。
Pinyin: Nǐ jīntiān kě zǒuyùn le! Zhè shì zuìhòu yī ge dàngāo, bèi nǐ mǎi dào le.
English: You really got lucky today! This was the last cake, and you got it.
Analysis: Here, `可…了 (kě…le)` is used to add emphasis, highlighting just how lucky the person was in that specific moment.
Example 3:
他真走运，居然抽中了一等奖。
Pinyin: Tā zhēn zǒuyùn, jūrán chōu zhòng le yī děng jiǎng.
English: He's so lucky, he actually won the first prize in the lottery.
Analysis: `居然 (jūrán)` emphasizes the unexpected and surprising nature of his luck.
Example 4:
A: 我的手机掉在出租车上了。 B: 你太不走运了。
Pinyin: A: Wǒ de shǒujī diào zài chūzūchē shàng le. B: Nǐ tài bù zǒuyùn le.
English: A: I left my phone in the taxi. B: You're so unlucky.
Analysis: This shows the negative form, `不走运 (bù zǒuyùn)`, which is a common way to say someone is having a bit of bad luck. It's a synonym for `倒霉 (dǎoméi)`.
English: If you feel like you're having bad luck, go work out and change your mood.
Analysis: This shows `走运` used in a sentence giving advice, treating the feeling of being unlucky as a temporary state that can be managed.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`走运 (zǒuyùn)` vs. `幸运 (xìngyùn)`: This is the most common point of confusion.
`幸运 (xìngyùn)` is a more general, neutral adjective for “fortunate” or “lucky.” It can describe a person's general state or a single event. You can say `他是一个幸运的人 (tā shì yī ge xìngyùn de rén)` - “He is a lucky person.”
`走运 (zǒuyùn)` is more of a verb or a temporary state. It implies a process or a streak of luck. It's awkward to use it to describe a permanent personal trait.
Common Mistake: Saying `他是一个走运的人 (tā shì yī ge zǒuyùn de rén)`.
Why it's wrong: This sounds unnatural because `走运` describes a temporary phase, like “walking through luck.” It's not a permanent characteristic.
How to fix it: Use `幸运` instead: `他是一个幸运的人 (tā shì yī ge xìngyùn de rén)`. Or, describe the recent situation: `他最近很走运 (tā zuìjìn hěn zǒuyùn)`.
Related Terms and Concepts
幸运 (xìngyùn) - The general adjective for “lucky” or “fortunate.” `走运` is a specific way of being `幸运`.
运气 (yùnqì) - The underlying noun for “luck” or “fortune” (which can be good or bad). `走运` is what happens when your `运气` is good.
倒霉 (dǎoméi) - The direct antonym of `走运`. It means “to have bad luck” or “to be on an unlucky streak.”
好运 (hǎoyùn) - “Good luck.” Primarily a noun. You wish someone `好运`, and if they experience it, you can say they are `走运`.
时来运转 (shí lái yùn zhuǎn) - A formal idiom meaning “one's luck has changed for the better.” It's a more literary way to describe the beginning of a `走运` phase.
手气 (shǒuqì) - A specific type of luck related to one's “hand,” used for games, gambling, or drawing lots. If you keep winning at cards, you have good `手气`.
命运 (mìngyùn) - A broader, philosophical concept of “destiny” or “fate.” `运` (luck) is seen as a component of one's `命运`.