Translation guide
The English word "triumph" can refer to a great victory or success, or the feeling of joy from such an achievement. In Japanese, the most natural expressions depend on whether you're talking about a concrete win, an emotional sense of victory, or a more formal/literary context.
Expressing a major win, achievement, or successful outcome in a competition, battle, or endeavor.
His team achieved a historic triumph.
The triumph in the election was a big surprise.
Emphasizes a 'great victory' or 'overwhelming triumph', often used in sports or military contexts.
The Japanese national team scored a great triumph.
A formal, somewhat literary term for a 'triumphant return', like a hero coming home after victory. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
The general returned in triumph.
Describing the emotional high or sense of achievement after winning or succeeding.
Literally 'the joy of victory'. A natural way to express the triumphant feeling.
He basked in the triumph.
A sense of accomplishment or fulfillment. Often used for personal triumphs, not just competitive wins.
To exult or gloat in triumph. Can have a negative nuance of being overly proud.
Referring to a crowning achievement in art, literature, or a career.
Masterpiece; a work that represents the peak of an artist's achievement. Often used for artistic triumphs.
This novel is his greatest triumph.
Literally 'pyramid', but metaphorically a monumental achievement or lasting triumph in a field.
English often uses 'triumph' as a verb (e.g., 'They triumphed over adversity'). Japanese does not have a single verb that directly matches this. Instead, use phrases like 勝利する (しょうりする, 'to win a victory') or 打ち勝つ (うちかつ, 'to overcome').
They triumphed over adversity.
勝利 (しょうり) implies a win against an opponent or obstacle, while 成功 (せいこう) means 'success' in a broader sense. For personal achievements without a clear adversary, 成功 or 達成感 may be more natural than 勝利.
Finishing the marathon gave me a great sense of triumph.
彼は勝ち誇った笑みを浮かべた。
He wore a triumphant smile.
This research stands as a triumph in the history of science.