Translation guide
Expressing success in Japanese depends on context: achieving a goal, passing an exam, a business doing well, or a person thriving. Common verbs include 成功する for general success, うまくいく for things going well, and 合格する for passing tests.
To say that someone or something succeeds in a general sense, such as a plan, project, or personal endeavor.
The most direct and common way to say 'be successful' or 'succeed'. Used for plans, businesses, personal goals, etc.
彼の計画は成功した。
His plan was successful.
The new business will be successful.
Literally 'go well', this is a very natural, slightly casual way to say something is successful or works out. Often used for plans, relationships, or attempts.
プレゼンはうまくいった。
The presentation went well (was successful).
うまくいくといいね。
I hope it goes well (is successful).
Means 'to achieve' or 'accomplish'. Used when success is about reaching a specific goal or target.
彼は目標を達成した。
He achieved his goal.
To say that someone passed a test, exam, or screening.
The standard verb for passing an exam, test, or interview.
試験に合格した。
I passed the exam.
彼女は大学に合格した。
She got into university (passed the entrance exam).
A more casual, everyday verb for passing a test. Very common in conversation.
To say that a business, company, or commercial venture is successful or thriving.
Specifically means 'to prosper' or 'thrive', used for businesses and shops.
あの店は繁盛している。
That shop is doing well (thriving).
Also used for business success, but more general.
彼の会社は成功した。
His company was successful.
The progressive form of うまくいく, meaning 'is going well'. Natural for ongoing business success.
新しいカフェはうまくいっている。
The new cafe is doing well.
To describe a person who is successful in their career, financially, or in life.
Can be used for personal life success, but often sounds like 'achieved fame/fortune'.
彼は若くして成功した。
He became successful at a young age.
Means 'to rise in the world', 'get ahead', or 'be promoted'. Focuses on career advancement.
彼は出世して部長になった。
He was successful and became a department head.
Literally 'a success in life'. A noun phrase describing a person who has achieved life success.
彼は人生の成功者だ。
He is a successful person in life.
To express that a situation or event ended with a good result.
Again, the go-to phrase for things working out well.
すべてがうまくいった。
Everything turned out successfully.
A formal expression meaning 'to end successfully'. Used in reports or official statements.
プロジェクトは成功裏に終わった。
The project was completed successfully.
成功する is more formal and often implies a significant achievement or public recognition. うまくいく is more casual and focuses on the process going smoothly. For everyday situations like a party or a plan, うまくいく is more natural.
パーティーはうまくいった？
Was the party a success?
While 成功する is the direct translation, it can sound too grand for minor successes. For small daily wins, use うまくいく or more specific verbs like 合格する (pass an exam) or 勝つ (win a game).
I passed the driver's license test.