Translation and Meaning of: 遂げる - togeru

The Japanese word 遂げる (とげる, togeru) carries a deep meaning and is often used in contexts involving the achievement or completion of something significant. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding how and when to use this verb can enrich your vocabulary and cultural comprehension. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of 遂げる, as well as tips for memorizing it properly.

Meaning and Translation of 遂げる

The verb 遂げる is generally translated as "to achieve," "to realize," or "to accomplish." It is used to describe the fulfillment of important objectives, goals, or tasks. Unlike other verbs such as 終える (おえる, oeru), which simply indicates the end of something, 遂げる implies a sense of completeness and success.

For example, in phrases like "夢を遂げる" (yume o togeru), which means "to achieve a dream", the word conveys the idea that effort has led to a significant outcome. This nuance makes it common in motivational speeches, stories of overcoming challenges, and even in formal contexts.

Origin and Cultural Use

The origin of 遂げる is linked to the kanji 遂, which carries the idea of "completing" or "bringing to an end." This character is composed of the radical ⻍ (which indicates movement) and other elements that reinforce the notion of conclusion. Historically, the word was used in military and administrative contexts, but today its usage has expanded to everyday and inspiring situations.

In Japan, 遂げる is often associated with personal and professional achievements. You can find it in news about athletes who have set records or in graduation speeches. This connection with accomplishments makes it a word loaded with positivity and motivation.

Tips for Memorizing 遂げる

An effective way to memorize 遂げる is to associate it with situations of achievement. Think of goals you have already achieved or wish to achieve and try to create sentences like "目標を遂げた" (I achieved my goal). Repeating this kind of construction helps to fix the verb in your active vocabulary.

Another tip is to observe the kanji 遂. Its movement radical (⻍) can serve as a visual reminder that the word is related to "going to the end." This association between form and meaning makes memorization easier, especially for students who are already familiar with other kanjis composed of the same radical.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 成し遂げる (nashitogeru) - Complete something successfully, achieve a goal.
• 達成する (tassei suru) - Achieve a specific result or goal.
• 完遂する (kansui suru) - To complete something entirely, leaving nothing behind.
• 遂行する (suikou suru) - To execute or carry out a task or plan.
• 達する (tassuru) - Reaching a certain point or level.

遂げる

Romaji: togeru
Kana: とげる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: achieve; reach; execute

Meaning in English: to accomplish;to achieve;to carry out

Definition: fulfill the purpose.

Example Sentences - (遂げる) togeru

See below some example sentences:

一気にやり遂げよう！

Ikki ni yaritoge yo!

Let's do everything at once!

• 一気に - "at once", "in one go"
• やり遂げよう - "let's complete", "let's accomplish"

未だ成し遂げたことがない。

Mada nashi togeta koto ga nai

I still haven't been able to accomplish this.

I never got it.

• 未だ - not yet
• 成し遂げた - achieved
• ことが - Thing that
• ない - does not exist

残らずやり遂げよう。

Nokorazu yari togeyou

Let's complete everything without leaving anything behind.

Let's do this without leaving.

• 残らず - adverb that means "completely" or "totally".
• やり遂げよう - verb that means "to conclude" or "to carry out".

現代はテクノロジーの進歩によって驚くべき変化を遂げています。

Gendai wa tekunorojī no shinpo ni yotte odorokubeki henka o togete imasu

The modern age has made incredible changes with technological advances.

• 現代 (Gendai) - means "current" or "modern"
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• テクノロジー (tekunorojii) - a word borrowed from English meaning "technology"
• の (no) - grammatical particle that indicates possession or relationship
• 進歩 (shinpo) - means "progress" or "advance"
• によって (ni yotte) - expression that indicates the cause or means by which something happens
• 驚くべき (odoroku beki) - adjective meaning "surprising" or "astonishing"
• 変化 (henka) - means "change" or "transformation"
• を (wo) - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 遂げています (tasshite imasu) - verb meaning "to accomplish" or "to conclude" in the present progressive tense