征服する
seifuku suru
The English verb 'conquer' is translated into Japanese as 征服する (seifuku suru).
The primary way to express the act of acquiring something by force of arms is through 征服する.
Meaning: acquire by force of arms (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The form 征服する is built from the noun 征服 (seifuku), which means conquest or subjugation. This noun is composed of the characters for 'subjugate/conquer' (征) and 'overcome/subdue' (服).
Which one should you use?
While 征服する refers to conquest by force, there are other formal alternatives depending on the context. Use 克服する when the meaning is to overcome or master. Use 制圧する when the meaning is to subdue an opponent or territory.
How do you pronounce it?
seifuku suru
Did you know?
- The noun form 征服 (seifuku) is a homonym for the word for 'school uniform', also written as 制服. While they sound identical, the 'uniform' version uses a character meaning 'system' or 'regulation' instead of 'conquer'.
- The second character in 征服, known as 服, also means 'clothes'. In a different context, it is used in words relating to wearing or dressing.
- If you want to say you have 'conquered' a mountain, you would not use 征服する, but would instead use words related to 'climbing' or 'reaching the summit'.
Examples in context
- 彼らは新たな地域を制圧するために戦略を立てた。They devised a strategy to conquer the new territory.
- 彼女は偏見を打ち破って学界で成功しました。She conquered prejudice and succeeded in the academic world.
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking about a historical video game.
- 陽葵 Himariこのゲームでは、どの国を征服するの？Kono gēmu dewa, dono kuni o seifuku suru no?Which country do you conquer in this game?
- 陽太 Yotaまずは、小さな島を征服する予定だよ。Mazu wa, chiisana shima o seifuku suru yotei da yo.First, I plan to conquer a small island.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太は、すごく強い軍隊を持っているね。Yōta wa, sugoku tsuyoi guntai o motte iru ne.Yota, you have a very strong army.
- 陽太 Yotaうん、これで世界を征服できるよ。Un, kore de sekai o seifuku dekiru yo.Yeah, with this, I can conquer the world.
