Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of achieving success in Japanese, from general accomplishment to specific goals.
Expressing that someone has achieved success in a broad sense, often in life, career, or a major endeavor.
A common and natural way to say 'achieve success'. It implies attaining success through effort.
彼はビジネスで成功を収めた。
He achieved success in business.
The most basic verb for 'to succeed'. Can be used in many contexts.
彼女はついに成功した。
She finally succeeded.
Emphasizes accomplishing something significant, often after great effort. More literary or formal.
彼は偉業を成し遂げた。
He achieved a great feat.
Focuses on reaching a goal or target. Often used with objectives, plans, or numerical targets.
目標を達成するために努力した。
I worked hard to achieve my goal.
Expressing the completion or attainment of a concrete objective, such as a target, dream, or plan.
The standard way to say 'achieve a goal'. Very common in business and personal contexts.
今月の売上目標を達成しました。
We achieved this month's sales target.
Literally 'make a dream come true'. The natural way to say 'achieve a dream'.
彼女は歌手になる夢を叶えた。
She achieved her dream of becoming a singer.
Means 'to fulfill a purpose' or 'achieve an aim'. Slightly formal.
彼は目的を果たして帰国した。
He achieved his purpose and returned home.
Expressing success in a contest, examination, or selection process.
Specifically means 'to pass (an exam, screening, etc.)'. The most common word for exam success.
彼は大学に合格した。
He passed the university entrance exam.
Means 'to win'. Use for competitions, games, or battles.
私たちのチームが試合に勝った。
Our team won the match.
Means 'to win a championship' or 'take first place'. Used in sports and contests.
彼女は全国大会で優勝した。
She won the national tournament.
Expressing that someone has become successful in terms of reputation, status, or public acclaim.
Means 'to rise in the world', 'get ahead', or 'achieve career success'. Often implies promotion or social advancement.
彼は若くして出世した。
He achieved success at a young age.
Literally 'raise one's name'. Means to become famous or make a name for oneself.
彼はその発明で名を上げた。
He made a name for himself with that invention.
成功する (seikou suru) is a general term for succeeding, often used for overall success in life or a project. 達成する (tassei suru) is more specific to achieving a concrete goal or target. Use 達成する when you have a clear objective in mind.
彼は人生で成功した。
He succeeded in life.
彼はノルマを達成した。
He achieved his quota.
While '成功を達成する' is grammatically possible, it is redundant and not natural. Use '成功を収める' or simply '成功する' instead.
彼女は努力して成功を収めた。
She worked hard and achieved success.
彼はついにマラソン完走という目標を達成した。
He finally achieved his goal of running a marathon.