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.
He achieved victory in the election.
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.
Today's game is a win.
Winning and losing is a matter of luck.
Specifically means winning a championship or tournament. Used when someone becomes the overall winner.
She won the tennis tournament.
Emphasizing a major, decisive, or triumphant win, often in a dramatic context.
Referring to winning a military conflict or fight.
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.
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.
We won the game.
He was able to overcome himself (win against himself).
A more formal verb meaning 'to achieve victory'. Often used in news or official statements.
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.
Victory is ours!
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.