How to say "conquest" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 攻略こうりゃくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers capturing enemy territory by storm, and extends figuratively to tackling and working through a challenge such as a difficult problem or task, where the focus is on finding the way to success.
- 克服こくふくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThe word for conquering something adverse: a difficulty, illness, or crisis. It means overcoming or surmounting it, so this is the choice when 'conquest' refers to mastering hardship rather than territory.
- 制覇せいはnoun, suru verb, transitive verbRefers to conquest in the sense of domination or supremacy over a domain, such as a competitive field, where the emphasis is on ruling the whole area rather than defeating a single enemy.
- 征服せいふくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThe core word for conquest as subjugation: bringing land, a people, or an enemy under control by force. Use this when 'conquest' means military domination in the historical or literal sense.
- 勝利しょうりnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbThis one is seldom the word you want for 'conquest'; it really means victory, triumph, or a win. Choose it only when 'conquest' appears in the loose sense of triumphing over an opponent.
Use 征服 for military subjugation of territory, 制覇 for domination of a competitive field, 攻略 for capturing a stronghold or overcoming a challenge, 克服 for conquering difficulties or illness, and 勝利 for victory.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
