Translation guide
The concept of winning in a contest, battle, or struggle. Japanese has several words for victory, each with different nuances and contexts.
Expressing the idea of winning in a broad sense, such as in sports, games, or competitions.
The most common and neutral word for victory. Used in formal and informal contexts, for sports, battles, and abstract struggles.
彼は選挙で勝利を収めた。
He achieved victory in the election.
我々のチームは勝利を確信している。
Our team is confident of victory.
A more casual, everyday word for a win. Often used in sports and games. Can be used as a noun or in compound verbs.
今日の試合は勝ちだ。
Today's game is a win.
勝ち負けは時の運だ。
Winning and losing is a matter of luck.
Specifically means winning a championship or tournament. Used when someone becomes the overall winner.
彼女はテニスの大会で優勝した。
She won the tennis tournament.
Emphasizing a major, decisive, or triumphant win, often in a dramatic context.
Literally 'big victory'. Used for a landslide win or a very significant victory.
選挙で大勝利を収めた。
We won a landslide victory in the election.
Refers to a triumphant return from a victory, especially in battle. Often used in historical or literary contexts.
Referring to winning a military conflict or fight.
Specifically means victory in war or battle. Often used in formal or historical contexts.
戦勝国としての責任を果たす。
Fulfill the responsibilities as a victorious nation.
A more traditional or literary term for a victorious battle. Can also be used metaphorically.
Expressing a victory in terms of principles, ethics, or inner struggle.
A 'spiritual victory' or 'moral victory'. Used when someone feels they have won on a personal or ethical level, even if they lost outwardly.
彼は試合に負けたが、精神的勝利を得た。
He lost the match but gained a moral victory.
Expressing the action of winning rather than the state of victory.
The most common verb meaning 'to win'. Used in all kinds of contests and struggles.
私たちは試合に勝った。
We won the game.
彼は自分に勝つことができた。
He was able to overcome himself (win against himself).
A more formal verb meaning 'to achieve victory'. Often used in news or official statements.
我がチームは見事に勝利した。
Our team won splendidly.
勝利 (shōri) is more formal and abstract, while 勝ち (kachi) is casual and concrete. Use 勝利 in writing or speeches, and 勝ち in everyday conversation about games or sports.
English often uses 'victory' in phrases like 'victory lap' or 'victory speech'. In Japanese, these are often expressed differently: 優勝インタビュー (championship interview) or ウイニングラン (winning run). Avoid literal translations.
勝利は我々のものだ！
Victory is ours!
彼らは勝利を祝った。
They celebrated their victory.
将軍は凱旋した。
The general returned in triumph.
これは勝ち戦になるだろう。
This will be a victorious battle.