Translation guide
The English word "conquest" covers military takeover, winning love or admiration, overcoming challenges, and acquired territory. Japanese uses different words for each meaning. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Taking control of a country or people by force
the conquest of the Aztec Empire · military conquest · the Norman Conquest
The most direct translation for military conquest. Used for historical invasions, subjugation of peoples, or conquering nations.
The Roman Empire conquered vast territories.
Wars of conquest caused many casualties.
Emphasizes gaining control or suppressing resistance, often used in military or police contexts. More about overpowering than long-term rule.
The rebel forces were subdued by the government army.
Often used for capturing a fortress, castle, or in gaming contexts (clearing a stage). Can also mean strategy guide.
Capturing the enemy castle was difficult.
Gaining someone's affection, trust, or admiration through effort or charm
his conquest of her heart · a romantic conquest · she was his latest conquest
Literally 'shoot the heart', meaning to win someone's love. Romantic and slightly dramatic.
He finally won her heart.
Literally 'victory in love', used to describe a romantic conquest. More abstract.
To persuade someone into a romantic relationship through persistent wooing. Can sound calculated.
Successfully dealing with a difficult task, fear, or obstacle
the conquest of Mount Everest · conquering your fears · the conquest of space
Used for overcoming difficulties, fears, weaknesses, or problems. Not for military or romantic contexts.
He conquered his fear of heights.
Implies dominating or mastering a field, such as sports or business. Connotes achieving supremacy.
Specifically for traversing or conquering a difficult route, like a mountain trail or long journey.
Land or people that have been conquered
the Roman conquests · territorial conquests · the spoils of conquest
While 征服 can mean 'conquest' in a broad sense, using it for overcoming personal fears or difficulties sounds unnatural. Use 克服 instead.
conquer fear
征服 implies long-term subjugation and rule, while 制圧 focuses on the act of overpowering or suppressing resistance. Use 制圧 for police actions or temporary military control.
His romantic conquest became the talk among friends.
He ardently wooed and won her over.
He succeeded by overcoming many difficulties.
彼は三冠を制覇した。
He achieved the conquest of three titles.
彼は単独でヒマラヤを踏破した。
He conquered the Himalayas alone.
征服によって領土を拡大した。
They expanded their territory through conquest.