縁起

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 縁起 is read えんぎ and is a noun meaning either an omen of good or bad fortune or the origin of a temple or object.
• Basic usage: It has distinct uses for a favorable omen and for a record of a temple's history or origin.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Distinguishing the two senses
  • In 縁起がよい it means a good omen, while in 寺の縁起 it refers to a temple's origin and history.