Translation guide
To stop resisting an opponent or demand; to surrender or give in.
To formally stop fighting and accept defeat.
The standard term for military surrender. Used for armies, nations, or individuals in a conflict.
The enemy army finally capitulated.
To lay down arms and surrender, often used for individuals or small groups giving themselves up.
The soldiers were urged to capitulate.
To stop resisting and agree to something after being pressured.
To yield or give in under pressure. Often used with に to indicate what one yields to.
He capitulated to the threats and accepted the demands.
Literally 'to bend', used metaphorically to mean giving in or compromising, especially in arguments or negotiations.
Literally 'to raise a white flag', a vivid metaphor for admitting defeat or giving up.
To stop resisting because the situation is hopeless or further resistance is futile.
降伏 (こうふく) is a general surrender, often by a larger group or nation. 投降 (とうこう) specifically means laying down arms and physically giving oneself up, used for individuals or small units.
In everyday English, 'capitulate' can be used lightly (e.g., 'I capitulated and bought the shoes'). In Japanese, direct translations like 降伏する sound overly dramatic. Use 折れる or 諦める instead.
交渉で相手が折れて、値下げに応じた。
The other party capitulated in the negotiations and agreed to a price reduction.
After a long debate, he capitulated.
Realizing he couldn't escape, he capitulated and turned himself in to the police.