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.
昨日の試合に勝った。
We won yesterday's game.
He won the election.
A more formal or written way to say "win" or "achieve victory." Often used in news reports or formal contexts.
Our team won splendidly.
Specifically means to win a championship or tournament. Use this when someone takes first place in a competition.
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.
He won a gold medal.
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.
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."
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.
He won her heart.
Means to win or gain someone's trust. More formal and often used in business or serious contexts.
He won his boss's trust.
To win support, especially in political or public contexts.
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.
They won their freedom.
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.
I won the lottery!
He worked hard and won the position.
ついに念願の車を手に入れた。
I finally won the car I'd been wanting.