Translation guide
Describes an event, decision, or moment that has important, often negative, consequences for the future.
Describing an event or decision that significantly affects the future, often in a negative way.
Most direct equivalent, meaning 'fateful' or 'destined'. Often used for meetings or events that seem guided by fate.
Emphasizing that an action or event led to a disastrous outcome.
Means 'to bring about tragic results'. Natural way to express that something had fateful, disastrous consequences.
その判断ミスが悲劇的な結果を招いた。
That error in judgment had fateful consequences.
Describing words or signs that seem to predict a negative future.
Means 'ominous' or 'sinister'. Used for words, signs, or feelings that forebode ill.
彼の不吉な予言が現実になった。
His fateful prophecy came true.
Directly translating 'fateful' as 運命的 may not always fit. In many contexts, it's better to describe the consequence (e.g., 'led to tragedy') rather than labeling the event itself.
それは運命的な出会いだった。
That was a fateful encounter.
Literally 'to decide fate'. Used for moments or decisions that determine the future.
その決断は会社の運命を決することになった。
That decision proved fateful for the company.
Implies something was predestined or inevitable, often with a negative nuance. More literary.
彼は宿命的な過ちを犯した。
He made a fateful mistake.
Means 'fatal' or 'mortal'. Often used for mistakes or decisions that lead to ruin.
それは致命的な決断だった。
It was a fateful decision.
Literally 'to hint at fate'. Used for words or events that seem to foreshadow destiny.
その言葉は運命を暗示するようだった。
Those words seemed fateful.