Translation guide
How to talk about the outcome of an attempt, whether it succeeds or fails, in Japanese.
whether it succeeds or not
Expressing the result of an endeavor, often in contexts like tests, projects, or life events.
A formal noun meaning 'success or failure', often used in written or official contexts.
The success or failure of the project is still unknown.
A common, neutral way to say 'whether it succeeds or not'.
A more casual, conversational way to express 'whether it goes well or not'.
Specifically refers to pass/fail results for exams or screenings.
Discussing the chance or risk of something succeeding or failing.
A straightforward way to list both possibilities.
A new business will either succeed or fail.
Pattern to say 'whether ~ or not is the key'.
Referring to the dual concepts of success and failure, often in proverbs or general statements.
成否 is a concise noun used in formal writing or reports. 成功するかどうか is a more conversational phrase that can be used in any situation.
The outcome is unknown.
I don't know whether it will succeed.
Avoid directly translating 'success or failure' as 成功か失敗か in most contexts; it sounds like you are listing two separate options rather than referring to the overall outcome. Use 成否 or 成功するかどうか instead.
Whether this plan succeeds or not depends on everyone's effort.
I'm worried about whether tomorrow's presentation will go well or not.
試験の合否は来週発表される。
The pass/fail results of the exam will be announced next week.
Whether you can take the first step or not is the key.
Failure is the mother of success, so don't give up.