Japanese word

成功

Pronunciation

Romajiseikō

Meaning

  • nounsuccess

Example

計画が成功しました。kei kaku ga sei kō shi ma shi ta

The plan was a success.

Illustration for 成功 (success)

More examples

チームの成功には、全員の協力が必要です。chī mu no sei kō ni wa zen in no kyō ryoku ga hitsu yō de su

The team's success requires everyone's cooperation.

Core concept

Describes a desired result being achieved through an effort, plan, or attempt.

Common phrases

  • 成功するsei kō su ru

    succeed

  • 成功を目指すsei kō o me za su

    aim for success

  • 成功の秘訣sei kō no hi ketsu

    secret to success

  • 成功を収めるsei kō o osa me ru

    achieve success

Similar words

達成tassei: The completion of a goal or task through effort.
成就jōju: The realization of a desired goal or purpose.

Definition in Japanese

目的や計画などが望んだとおりに実現すること。moku teki ya kei kaku na do ga nozo n da tō ri ni jitsu gen su ru ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 成功 (seikō) combines 成 (sei, "become") and 功 (kō, "achievement"), giving the sense of an effort reaching its intended result.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 成功 (seikō) often describes a plan, attempt, or event that turns out well, so it extends beyond personal accomplishments.

Other meanings

  • achievementnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 成功者seikōshasuccessful personnoun
  • 成功率seikōritsusuccess ratenoun

Word lists with this word