Translation guide
The English verb 'fulfill' covers several related ideas: carrying out a duty or promise, satisfying a condition or requirement, and achieving a personal dream or potential. Japanese uses different expressions for each of these meanings. This guide helps you choose the right one.
To do what is expected, required, or promised, such as fulfilling an obligation, a role, or a vow.
The most direct and common verb for fulfilling a duty, role, promise, or responsibility. Often used with nouns like 役割 (role), 責任 (responsibility), 約束 (promise).
He fulfilled his promise.
It's important to fulfill your responsibilities.
Specifically for fulfilling a role or duty. 役目 means 'role' or 'duty'.
He fulfilled his role as a father.
Formal, often used in business or official contexts for carrying out a task, plan, or mission.
We will do our utmost to fulfill the plan.
To meet a standard, condition, or requirement, or to satisfy a need or desire.
The standard verb for satisfying conditions, requirements, needs, or desires. Used with nouns like 条件 (condition), 要件 (requirement), 希望 (hope/wish).
If you fulfill these conditions, you can apply.
Formal, often used in legal or business contexts for satisfying requirements or needs.
To realize a personal goal, dream, or one's full potential.
The most common way to say 'fulfill a dream'. 叶える means 'to make come true'.
She finally fulfilled her dream.
For fulfilling a goal or objective. 達成する means 'to achieve'.
Refers to self-fulfillment or self-actualization, often used in psychological or motivational contexts.
To complete a customer's order or request, as in business or service contexts.
果たす is for duties, promises, and roles (things you do). 満たす is for conditions, requirements, and needs (things you satisfy). Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
English 'fulfill a dream' is not translated as 夢を満たす or 夢を果たす. The natural expression is 夢を叶える (make a dream come true).
It's difficult to fulfill his wishes.
Please confirm that the requirements are fulfilled.
He fulfilled his life's goal.
I want to fulfill myself through my work.