किस्मत फूटना

You use it as a verb phrase. If you are talking about yourself, you say Meri kismat phoot gayi. If you are talking about someone else, you say Usiki kismat phoot gayi. It is usually used in the past tense because the bad luck has already struck. You can also use it to describe a person who is perpetually unlucky by calling them phooti kismat wala.

Use it when a situation feels unfairly bad. Maybe you missed the last train by one second. Or perhaps your phone fell into the toilet right before an important call. It is perfect for venting frustration with friends. It adds a layer of 'why me?' to your story. It is also great for storytelling or gossiping about a series of unfortunate events.

Do not use this in a professional email to your boss. It is too dramatic and fatalistic for a corporate setting. Avoid using it for truly tragic events like a death in the family. In those cases, it can sound insensitive or overly casual. Also, if a problem is small—like a broken pencil—using this might make you sound like a drama queen. Unless that is the vibe you are going for!

Indian culture often views life through the lens of 'Karma' and 'Kismat'. There is a deep-seated belief that our paths are written. When someone says their fate has broken, they are referencing an ancient metaphor of life being like a clay pot. Once a clay pot breaks, it cannot be mended easily. This phrase has been a staple in Bollywood movies for decades. It is the ultimate 'woe is me' expression for a hero or heroine in distress.

You might hear people say Kismat kharab hona which is a milder version. Another one is Bhaagya phootna, which is more poetic and formal. In slang, some might just say Lagg gaye, but that is much more vulgar. Stick to Kismat phootna for a perfect balance of emotion and everyday relatability.