Translation guide
The English word 'overcoming' refers to successfully dealing with or defeating a problem, obstacle, fear, or difficulty. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various verbs and expressions are used depending on what is being overcome.
To successfully deal with and move past a challenging situation, problem, or barrier.
Literally 'to climb over', this is the most common and versatile verb for overcoming difficulties, hardships, or obstacles. It implies actively getting past something.
彼は多くの困難を乗り越えた。
He overcame many difficulties.
この壁を乗り越える方法を考えよう。
Let's think of a way to overcome this wall (obstacle).
Means 'to overcome' in the sense of conquering a weakness, fear, or problem through effort. Often used for personal challenges.
彼女は高所恐怖症を克服した。
She overcame her fear of heights.
自分の弱点を克服するのは難しい。
Overcoming one's own weaknesses is difficult.
Literally 'to strike and win', this verb emphasizes defeating or triumphing over something like an enemy, temptation, or adversity. Slightly more literary or formal.
誘惑に打ち勝つ。
Overcome temptation.
彼は病に打ち勝った。
He overcame his illness.
To get past a negative emotion or psychological barrier.
As above, this is the standard term for conquering fears, phobias, or emotional weaknesses.
人前で話す恐怖を克服したい。
I want to overcome my fear of speaking in public.
Means 'to switch one's feelings/mindset'. Used when overcoming sadness, disappointment, or a bad mood by consciously changing one's attitude.
失敗してもすぐに気持ちを切り替えた。
Even though I failed, I quickly overcame it (switched my mindset).
Means 'to recover (emotionally), to get back on one's feet'. Used after a setback, shock, or depression.
To recover from or manage a health condition or physical challenge.
Used for overcoming diseases, disabilities, or physical handicaps through treatment or effort.
彼は癌を克服した。
He overcame cancer.
Means 'to cure' or 'to heal'. Used when overcoming an illness or injury through medical treatment. Note: intransitive form is 治る (なおる).
この薬で病気を治した。
I overcame (cured) the illness with this medicine.
To defeat someone in competition or conflict.
Means 'to defeat' or 'to beat' an opponent decisively. Stronger than just winning.
彼は強敵を打ち負かした。
He overcame (defeated) a powerful opponent.
Simple verb for 'to win'. In context, it can mean overcoming an opponent.
ライバルに勝つ。
Overcome (win against) a rival.
乗り越える (のりこえる) is used for external obstacles and difficulties (like a wall, hardship, crisis), while 克服する (こくふくする) is used for internal weaknesses, fears, or problems that require personal effort to conquer. However, there is overlap, and both can sometimes be used for the same situation.
困難を乗り越える / 困難を克服する
Both can mean 'overcome difficulties', but 乗り越える emphasizes getting past them, while 克服する emphasizes conquering them.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'overcome'. Using a direct translation like 克服する for every situation can sound unnatural. Choose the verb based on what is being overcome.
彼は失恋から立ち直った。
He overcame (recovered from) his heartbreak.