60+ Ways to Say Good Luck in Spanish (Plus Idioms and Superstitions from the Spanish-speaking World)

All languages and cultures have their own expressions, beliefs, rituals and charms to attract luck.

Spanish-speaking cultures are no different! Wishing someone luck is a gesture of support that is often expressed wholeheartedly.

That said, there is more than one way to say “good luck” in Spanish.

So, let’s check out some luck-worthy situations and learn their appropriate luck wishing expressions!

Contents

• 60+ Ways to Say “Good Luck” in Spanish
• Spanish Idioms Related to Good Luck
• How to Say Good Luck for Specific Occasions in Spanish
• Spanish Superstitions and Beliefs About Luck

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60+ Ways to Say “Good Luck” in Spanish

When you want to wish someone good luck in Spanish, use one of these options!

Spanish Idioms Related to Good Luck

The Spanish language also has plenty of idioms and expressions related to luck. Some of these might sound familiar to English speakers, too!

• Tocar madera (To touch wood) — Say this to avoid tempting fate and prevent bad luck. It’s accompanied by knocking on wood if any is available.
• Cruzar los dedos (To cross your fingers) — This is a gesture of hoping for a positive outcome. You might literally cross your fingers as you say this!
• Echar las cartas (To read the cards) — This one refers to fortune-telling by reading tarot cards.
• Caer de pie (To fall on your feet) — Describes someone who always seems to land on their feet, referring to their ability to handle difficult situations successfully.
• Tener estrella (To have a star) — Use this to refer to someone who’s naturally lucky.
• Tener buen agüero (To have good omens) — Implies you’re hoping for a positive outcome.
• Nacer con estrella (To be born under a lucky star) — Suggests being born destined for success.
• Pisar tierra de suerte (To step on lucky ground) — Symbolizes being in a favorable or fortunate situation.
• Dar en el clavo (To hit the nail on the head) — Use this when someone makes an accurate prediction.
• No hay mal que por bien no venga (Every cloud has a silver lining) — Expresses the idea that something good can come out of a seemingly bad situation.
• Salir a pedir de boca (To go perfectly) — Describes a situation or plan that unfolds exactly as intended.
• Encontrar un trébol de cuatro hojas (To find a four-leaf clover) — Finding a rare four-leaf clover is believed to bring good luck!
• Caer de perlas (To fall perfectly) — Describes something that happens without any issues.
• Nacer con la flor en el trasero (To be born with a flower in one’s rear) — This silly expression refers to someone very fortunate.
• Tener suerte de principiante (To have beginner’s luck) — Refers to the phenomenon of beginners experiencing unexpected success.
• Ser un amuleto (To be a good luck charm) — Describes a person or object believed to bring good luck to those around them.
• Ver la luna llena (To see the full moon) — This is considered a symbol of positive energy and good fortune.
• Estar en racha (To be on a lucky streak) — Describes a period when someone is consistently experiencing good luck or success.
• Tener la mano bendita (To have a blessed hand) — Suggests having natural talent in a specific skill.
• Traer buena ventura (To bring good fortune) — Means to bring luck and positive outcomes.

How to Say Good Luck for Specific Occasions in Spanish

When you want to say good luck to someone for an upcoming event, use these sentence starters, which all mean “good luck on your…”:

• Buena suerte en tu…
• Que tengas suerte en tu…
• Éxito en tu… 
• Que te vaya bien en tu…
• Que te vaya genial en tu…

To turn these more formal, just replace te with le and tu with su.

Here are a few examples:

• ¡Buena suerte en tu examen! (Good luck on your exam!)
• ¡Que tengas suerte en tu entrevista de trabajo! (Good luck on your job interview!)
• ¡Éxito en su presentación! (Success in your presentation!)
• ¡Buena suerte en tu partido de fútbol! (Good luck in your soccer game!)
• ¡Que le vaya bien en su viaje! (May your trip go well!)
• ¡Buena suerte en tu primer día de trabajo! (Good luck on your first day of work!)
• ¡Que tenga suerte en su competencia deportiva! (Good luck in your sports competition!)
• ¡Que te vaya genial en tu cita romántica! (May your romantic date go great!)

Spanish Superstitions and Beliefs About Luck

By taking a closer look at some Spanish beliefs about luck—and the charms that assist in bringing on this phenomenon—you will gain a glimpse of some intriguing Spanish customs, which will only connect you deeper to the language and culture.

In Mexico, good luck charms are often called milagros  (miracles) and come in the form of small religious charms. The charms, which are often made of metal, can be affixed to a place or just carried or worn by the one who is looking for an upswing in their fate.

They are believed to improve fortune, heal and keep evil at bay. Milagros are not used only in Mexico, however. Some Latin American countries, as well as some places in the United States, adhere to the belief that milagros carry great power.

Wishing someone good luck in Spain can be an interesting exchange. It is not unusual to wish or have someone wish onto you, mucha mierda , which translates to “lots of crap.” This expression is equivalent to the English phrase, “break a leg.”

In Spain, wearing red underwear is thought to bring good luck in finding a mate. Some say it applies only on New Year’s Eve, but others feel it works year-round. 

Originating in the Almeria province of Spain, Indalo Man is a figure who represents luck and hope. He was first discovered drawn on a cave wall—a piece of ancient art from thousands of years ago—and today is a widely-recognized lucky symbol!

Here are a few more symbols of good and back luck in different Spanish-speaking countries:

Spain:

• Bad luck: Placing a loaf of bread upside down.
• Good luck: Eating twelve grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve will bring good luck in the upcoming year.

Mexico:

• Good luck: Placing a broom or a mop behind the front door is said to sweep away bad luck.
• Good luck: Hanging a chili pepper or a red ribbon outside the house is thought to protect against the evil eye.

Argentina:

• Bad luck: Leaving your wallet or purse on the floor will lead to financial problems.
• Good luck: Breaking a glass during a wedding reception is good luck for the newlyweds.

Puerto Rico:

• Good luck: Tucking a religious medallion under your pillow is believed to bring good dreams.

Colombia:

• Bad luck: Sweeping someone’s feet with a broom will keep them from getting married.

Cuba:

• Bad luck: Wearing or displaying the color green at a wedding.
• Good luck: Placing a glass of water behind the front door wards off bad luck.

Dominican Republic:

• Bad luck: Sweeping the floor at night invites evil spirits into the house.

Wherever you are, luck and good fortune are part of the day-to-day in most Spanish-speaking locations. From religious medallions to colorful undergarments, luck is part of the culture.

Learning some expressions to acknowledge or wish someone luck are certainly good additions to your growing Spanish vocabulary.

And who knows, by wishing others luck and good fortune, you might, in turn, attract your own luck and become an afortunado  (lucky person).

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)