What does 運 mean in Japanese?
運 means “carry, luck, movement” in Japanese. You will often see it in practical words such as 運ぶ (to carry), 運動 (exercise), and 運転 (driving).
For learners, the key is to study 運 through real vocabulary. The examples below show how the kanji works in words, sentences, and related kanji.
Reading
On’yomi: ウン (un)
Kun’yomi: はこ-ぶ (hako-bu)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 運 |
|---|
How to Understand This Kanji
運 is not limited to one English translation. In 運ぶ (はこぶ), it means to carry; in 運動 (うんどう), it points to exercise; and in 運転 (うんてん), it is used for driving. Reading these compounds side by side helps you understand the range of the kanji.
Common Words
- 運ぶ（はこぶ / hakobu） — to carry
- 運動（うんどう / undō） — exercise
- 運転（うんてん / unten） — driving
- 運がいい（うんがいい / ungaii） — lucky
- 運命（うんめい / unmei） — fate
- 運送（うんそう / unsō） — transportation
Example Sentences
-
荷物を部屋まで運びました。
にもつをへやまではこびました。 / Nimotsu o heya made hakobimashita.
I carried the luggage to the room.
-
毎朝運動をしています。
まいあさうんどうをしています。 / Maiasa undō o shite imasu.
I exercise every morning.
-
父は車を運転します。
ちちはくるまをうんてんします。 / Chichi wa kuruma o unten shimasu.
My father drives a car.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
Start with 運ぶ (はこぶ / hakobu) because it keeps the core meaning of 運 clear. Then add 運動 and 運転 to see how the reading and meaning shift in real vocabulary. Do not memorize 運 as a single English word; connect it to actual words and example sentences.
Summary
運 means “carry, luck, movement” and appears in useful Japanese words such as 運ぶ, 運動, and 運転.