bad luck
حظ سيء
Use `bad luck` to sympathize with minor accidents or to describe a string of unfortunate random events.
En 15 segundos
- Used for unfortunate events caused by chance, not mistakes.
- A common way to show sympathy for minor problems.
- Avoid using it for major tragedies or serious life losses.
Significado
It describes a situation where things go wrong by chance or accident. It is what you say when you have a series of unfortunate events that you cannot control.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Consoling a friend who missed a flight
I'm so sorry you missed the plane; that's just bad luck.
I'm so sorry you missed the plane; that's just bad luck.
Reacting to a sudden rainstorm during a picnic
It started pouring right when we sat down. Talk about bad luck!
It started pouring right when we sat down. Talk about bad luck!
A professional setback due to technical issues
The server went down during the presentation, which was unfortunate bad luck.
The server went down during the presentation, which was unfortunate bad luck.
Contexto cultural
In many English-speaking cultures, 'bad luck' is tied to folklore and superstitions like Friday the 13th or black cats. While modern speakers may not be superstitious, the phrase remains a primary way to express empathy for minor misfortunes. It is deeply embedded in sports culture to explain losses that weren't due to lack of skill.
The Sympathy Shortcut
If you don't know what to say when something small goes wrong for a friend, just say 'Bad luck!' It's a perfect, short way to show you care.
Avoid Serious Situations
Never use 'bad luck' for major life events like a death or a serious illness. It sounds way too casual and can be offensive.
En 15 segundos
- Used for unfortunate events caused by chance, not mistakes.
- A common way to show sympathy for minor problems.
- Avoid using it for major tragedies or serious life losses.
What It Means
Bad luck is when the universe seems to be working against you. It is not about making a mistake. It is about things happening that you did not plan. If you drop your toast and it lands butter-side down, that is bad luck. If it rains on your wedding day, that is bad luck. It is the opposite of a lucky break.
How To Use It
You can use it as a noun to describe a situation. You might say, "I have such bad luck today!" You can also use it to comfort a friend. If your friend misses the bus by one second, you can say, "Oh, bad luck!" It shows you understand their frustration. It is a very flexible phrase for daily life.
When To Use It
Use it when something small goes wrong. Use it when a sports team loses a close game. It is great for texting a friend who failed a test. You can use it at work if a computer crashes during a meeting. It helps soften the blow of a negative event. It makes people feel less alone in their struggle.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very serious tragedies. If someone loses a loved one, bad luck sounds too casual and cold. Avoid using it if someone clearly made a bad choice. If your friend didn't study and failed, calling it bad luck is lying. Also, do not use it to brag about your own success. That just makes people annoyed with you.
Cultural Background
English speakers are often superstitious about bad luck. Many people avoid walking under ladders or opening umbrellas indoors. Breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck. Even people who don't believe in magic still use the phrase. It is a way to handle the randomness of life. It helps us laugh at things we cannot change.
Common Variations
You will often hear people say tough luck. This is a bit harsher and less sympathetic. Hard luck is another version, often used in British English. Some people say rotten luck when things are really going poorly. If you want to be funny, you can say just my luck. This implies that the universe specifically picked you to annoy today.
Notas de uso
The phrase is very safe to use in almost all social and professional settings. Just be careful with your tone; saying it with a smile when someone is upset can make it sound sarcastic.
The Sympathy Shortcut
If you don't know what to say when something small goes wrong for a friend, just say 'Bad luck!' It's a perfect, short way to show you care.
Avoid Serious Situations
Never use 'bad luck' for major life events like a death or a serious illness. It sounds way too casual and can be offensive.
The Number 13
Many hotels in the US and UK don't have a 13th floor because it's considered 'bad luck'. You'll see the elevator go from 12 to 14!
Ejemplos
6I'm so sorry you missed the plane; that's just bad luck.
I'm so sorry you missed the plane; that's just bad luck.
Shows empathy for a situation out of their control.
It started pouring right when we sat down. Talk about bad luck!
It started pouring right when we sat down. Talk about bad luck!
Used to comment on a frustrating coincidence.
The server went down during the presentation, which was unfortunate bad luck.
The server went down during the presentation, which was unfortunate bad luck.
Professional way to explain a random failure.
Dropped my phone in the sink. Bad luck strikes again! 😩
Dropped my phone in the sink. Bad luck strikes again!
Self-deprecating and casual for digital chat.
Of course the bird pooped on my new car. Just my bad luck!
Of course the bird pooped on my new car. Just my bad luck!
Using humor to deal with a minor annoyance.
You played well, but losing by one point is just bad luck.
You played well, but losing by one point is just bad luck.
Used to encourage someone who performed well but lost.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best response for a friend who lost their keys.
Oh no! You lost your keys? ___!
We use 'bad luck' to show sympathy for a random unfortunate event like losing keys.
Complete the sentence describing a series of problems.
First my car broke, then I lost my wallet. I'm having a lot of ___ lately.
'Bad luck' is a noun phrase where the adjective 'bad' comes before the noun 'luck'.
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Formality of 'Bad Luck'
Used with friends for minor issues.
Tough luck, buddy!
Standard way to describe misfortune.
It was just bad luck.
Used in professional settings to explain errors.
We experienced some bad luck with the timing.
When to say 'Bad Luck'
Sports
Hitting the goal post.
Weather
Rain on a beach day.
Technology
Battery dying at 1%.
Social
Missing the last train.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt refers to unfortunate events that happen by chance. For example, if it rains during your outdoor party, that is bad luck.
Usually, no. It is a kind way to show sympathy, but it can be rude if you say it sarcastically when someone fails because of a mistake.
Yes, it is neutral. You might say, 'We had some bad luck with the shipping delay,' to explain a problem politely.
Bad luck is sympathetic, while tough luck is often used to say 'I don't care' or 'deal with it'.
You can use it as a subject or object. For example: 'Bad luck followed him all day' or 'I have had such bad luck!'
No, luck is an uncountable noun. You cannot say 'bad lucks'. You must say 'a lot of bad luck'.
Common ones include breaking a mirror or a black cat crossing your path. People say these things cause bad luck.
No, that is a common mistake. Lucky is an adjective, and luck is the noun. You must say bad luck or 'I am unlucky'.
Avoid it during very sad times, like a funeral. It is too lighthearted for deep grief.
In some places, people say 'hard lines' or 'unlucky' as a quick exclamation, but bad luck is the most common.
Frases relacionadas
Hard luck
A slightly more formal or British way to say bad luck.
Tough luck
Used to say that someone must accept a situation, even if it is unfair.
Better luck next time
A way to encourage someone after they fail at something.
Unlucky
The adjective form used to describe a person or a specific event.
Just my luck
An expression used when something bad happens to you personally.
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