Translation guide
The English verb "win" covers several distinct situations: winning a competition or game, obtaining a prize or victory, gaining someone's favor, and achieving success through effort. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions for each.
To be victorious in a match, race, election, or any competitive event.
The most common and general verb for winning a competition, game, or fight. It focuses on the act of defeating an opponent.
We won yesterday's game.
彼は選挙に勝った。
He won the election.
A more formal or written way to say "win" or "achieve victory." Often used in news reports or formal contexts.
我がチームは見事に勝利した。
Our team won splendidly.
Specifically means to win a championship or tournament. Use this when someone takes first place in a competition.
彼女はテニスの大会で優勝した。
She won the tennis tournament.
To obtain or receive something as a result of winning a competition, lottery, or by being chosen.
Means to acquire or obtain something through effort or competition. Commonly used for winning medals, titles, contracts, etc.
彼は金メダルを獲得した。
He won a gold medal.
その会社は大型契約を獲得した。
The company won a major contract.
Specifically means to win or receive a prize or award. Used for things like the Nobel Prize, Academy Awards, etc.
その映画はアカデミー賞を受賞した。
The movie won an Academy Award.
Used for winning a lottery, raffle, or any game of chance. It means "to hit" or "to be drawn."
宝くじが当たった！
I won the lottery!
To gain someone's affection, trust, or approval.
Literally "to grab someone's heart." A natural way to say you won someone's affection or captivated them.
彼は彼女の心をつかんだ。
He won her heart.
Means to win or gain someone's trust. More formal and often used in business or serious contexts.
彼は上司の信頼を得た。
He won his boss's trust.
To win support, especially in political or public contexts.
その政策は国民の支持を得た。
The policy won public support.
To succeed in obtaining something desired, often after hard work or struggle.
Literally "to win and take." Emphasizes the effort or struggle to obtain something, like freedom, rights, or a position.
彼らは自由を勝ち取った。
They won their freedom.
彼は努力してその地位を勝ち取った。
He worked hard and won the position.
A general phrase meaning "to obtain" or "get one's hands on." Can be used for winning something through effort or luck.
The verb 勝つ (katsu) is only for winning against an opponent in a contest. You cannot use it for winning a prize, lottery, or someone's heart. Use the specific verbs listed above.
勝つ is general "win" (a game, a fight). 優勝する is specifically "win a championship/tournament." You can 勝つ a single match, but you 優勝する the whole tournament.
ついに念願の車を手に入れた。
I finally won the car I'd been wanting.