How to say "achieve" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 果たすはたすgodan verb, transitive verbThis covers achieve in the sense of fulfilling something expected or intended — a duty, role, promise, or mission. It fits contexts like accomplishing the purpose one has been aiming at.
- 成し遂げるなしとげるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers achieve as accomplishing or completing something, with the nuance of seeing a task through to the very end; it fits a project, plan, or undertaking that is finally brought to completion.
- 遂げるとげるichidan verb, transitive verbA counterpart of 成し遂げる that frames achievement as the reaching of an end; it suits talk of achieving a goal or purpose, as in attaining success after working toward it.
- 勝ち取るかちとるgodan verb, transitive verbReally a word for winning: it covers achieve only when something is gained against rivals or through hard struggle — a victory, a position, or a right; not for simply accomplishing a task.
- 勝ち得るかちえるichidan verb, transitive verbLike 勝ち取る, this is for achievements that are won rather than simply done; it presents the thing as gained or attained — the prize of victory or hard-fought effort, not of routine work.
Use 「果たす」 for fulfilling a duty, role, or promise; 「成し遂げる」 or 「遂げる」 for carrying an undertaking through to completion; 「勝ち取る」 and 「勝ち得る」 only when the thing is won against rivals or through hard-fought effort.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 果たすはたすto accomplish
- 成し遂げるなしとげるto accomplish
- 遂げるとげるto accomplish
- 勝ち取るかちとるto win
- 勝ち得るかちえるto achieve
- 実をあげるじつをあげるto achieve
- 遣り通すやりとおすto carry through
- 出来すでかすto do
- 入るいるto attain (nirvana, enlightenment, etc.)
- 収めるおさめるto achieve (results, success, etc.)
- なすto accomplish
- しでかすto achieve
- あげるto earn (something desirable)
- 挙げるあげるto earn (something desirable)
See also
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