Translation and Meaning of: 成功 - seikou

The Japanese word 成功[せいこう] is an essential term for anyone looking to understand Japanese culture and language. Its meaning goes beyond a simple translation, carrying cultural and philosophical nuances that reflect important values in Japan. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday life, and the contexts in which it appears most frequently.

If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding 成功[せいこう] can be an important step. This word appears in everyday conversations, in Japanese media, and even in traditional proverbs. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information so that you can learn clearly and practically.

The meaning and translation of 成功[せいこう] is "success".

The most common translation of 成功[せいこう] is "success." However, this word encompasses different aspects, from professional achievements to personal accomplishments. Unlike in Portuguese, where "success" can have a more generic tone, in Japanese it is often used in more concrete contexts, such as reaching a specific goal.

A simple example is the sentence "彼はビジネスで成功した" (Kare wa bijinesu de seikou shita), which means "He succeeded in business". Notice that the usage is linked to a clear achievement, not just an abstract idea. This precision is a striking feature of the term.

The origin and the kanjis of 成功[せいこう]

Analyzing the kanjis that make up the word, 成 means "to conclude" or "to achieve," while 功 represents "merit" or "work." Together, they form the concept of "achievement through effort." This combination reflects a deeply rooted value in Japanese culture: the idea that success comes from hard work and persistence.

It's worth noting that 成功[せいこう] is not an ancient or rare word. It frequently appears in newspapers, books, and even in animes and dramas, always maintaining this connection to achievements attained through dedication. If you watch Japanese content, you've probably heard it in some context.

How to use 成功[せいこう] in daily life

In everyday life, 成功[せいこう] is used in both formal and informal situations. If you want to say that someone has achieved something, you can use structures like "～に成功する" (seikou suru) or "成功した" (seikou shita). For example, "試験に成功した" (Shiken ni seikou shita) means "Passed the test successfully."

An interesting fact is that this word is rarely used ironically or negatively, as happens sometimes with "success." In Japan, it maintains a positive and motivating tone, reinforcing the importance of personal effort. If you are learning Japanese, it's worth incorporating it into your active vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 成功 (seikou) - Success
• 達成 (tassei) - Achievement or attainment of a goal
• 実現 (jitsugen) - Achievement or realization
• 遂行 (suikou) - Execution or fulfillment of a task
• 完了 (kanryou) - Conclusion or finalization
• 達成する (tassei suru) - Achieve or reach a goal
• 成し遂げる (nashitogeru) - Complete or accomplish something meaningful
• 達する (tassuru) - Reach a destination or goal
• 達成度 (tasseido) - Level of achievement or degree of accomplishment
• 達成感 (tasseikan) - Feeling of accomplishment or satisfaction upon achieving a goal
• 達成目標 (tassei mokuhyou) - Objective to be achieved
• 達成率 (tasseiritsu) - Success rate
• 達成者 (tasseisha) - Someone who has achieved a goal or accomplishment
• 達成記録 (tassei kiroku) - Record of achievements or accomplishments
• 達成力 (tasseiryoku) - Power or ability to achieve goals
• 達成意欲 (tassei iyoku) - Desire or motivation to achieve goals
• 達成感を得る (tasseikan wo eru) - Achieving a sense of accomplishment
• 達成感を味わう (tasseikan wo ajiwau) - Experience the feeling of accomplishment
• 達成感を感じる (tasseikan wo kanjiru) - Feel the sensation of accomplishment
• 達成感を得られる (tasseikan wo erareru) - To achieve a sense of accomplishment
• 達成感を持つ (tasseikan wo motsu) - To have a sense of accomplishment
• 達成感を高める (tasseikan wo takameru) - Enhance the feeling of accomplishment
• 達成感を抱く (tasseikan wo daku) - To have the feeling of accomplishment
• 達成感を実感する (tasseikan wo jisshkan suru) - Achieving the feeling of accomplishment
• 達成感を感じられる (tasseikan wo kanjirareru) - To feel the sensation of accomplishment
• 達成感を感じさせる (tasseikan wo kandisaseru) - Make someone feel the sensation of accomplishment.

成功

Romaji: seikou
Kana: せいこう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: success; hit

Meaning in English: success;hit

Definition: To achieve a purpose or goal.

Example Sentences - (成功) seikou

See below some example sentences:

投資は将来の成功への鍵です。

Toushi wa shourai no seikou e no kagi desu

Investing is the key to future success.

• 投資 (toushi) - Investment
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 将来 (shourai) - future
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 成功 (seikou) - success
• へ (e) - Direction particle
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 鍵 (kagi) - key
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

段階を踏んで成功する。

Dankai wo funde seikou suru

O sucesso vem através de dar passos.

Success rising on stage.

• 段階 (dan-kai) - Stage, phase
• を (wo) - object particle
• 踏んで (funde) - Step, keep moving forward
• 成功 (seikou) - Success
• する (suru) - Verb "to do"

熱意を持って取り組むことが成功の鍵です。

Netsui wo motte torikumu koto ga seikou no kagi desu

Working with enthusiasm is the key to success.

• 熱意 (netsui) - enthusiasm, passion
• を (wo) - object particle
• 持って (motte) - having, possessing
• 取り組む (torikumu) - address, deal with
• こと (koto) - Thing, fact
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 成功 (seikou) - success
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 鍵 (kagi) - key
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in the present tense

素質がある人は成功する可能性が高いです。

Soshitsu ga aru hito wa seikou suru kanousei ga takai desu

People with qualities will probably be successful.

• 素質 - quality, skill
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist, have
• 人 - person
• は - Topic particle
• 成功する - succeed
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - subject particle
• 高い - high
• です - to be (polite form)

経営は企業の成功に欠かせない要素です。

Keiei wa kigyou no seikou ni kakasenai youso desu

Management is an indispensable factor in corporate success.

• 経営 - management
• は - Topic particle
• 企業 - company
• の - Possession particle
• 成功 - success
• に - target particle
• 欠かせない - indispensable
• 要素 - element
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

絶対に成功する！

Zettai ni seikou suru!

I will definitely be successful!

Absolutely success!

• 絶対に - adverb meaning "absolutely" or "for sure"
• 成功する - verb that means "to succeed"

練習は成功への鍵です。

Renshuu wa seikou e no kagi desu

Practice is the key to success.

• 練習 - practice, training
• は - Topic particle
• 成功 - success
• へ - particle indicating direction
• の - Possession particle
• 鍵 - key
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

自ずから努力することが成功への鍵です。

Jizukara doryoku suru koto ga seikou e no kagi desu

The key to success is working hard.

• 自ずから - on its own, naturally
• 努力すること - strive, dedicate
• 成功への - towards success
• 鍵 - key

行動することが成功の秘訣です。

Koudou suru koto ga seikou no hiketsu desu

Action is the key to success.

• 行動すること - action
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 成功 - success
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 秘訣 - secret
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

訓練は成功の鍵である。

Kunren wa seikou no kagi de aru

Training is the key to success.

• 訓練 (kunren) - training
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 成功 (seikou) - success
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 鍵 (kagi) - key
• である (dearu) - is (formal verb to be)