How to Say "Success" in Japanese

成功

seikō[se̞ːko̞ː]

The Japanese word for success is 成功 (seikō).

成功 refers to the achievement of one's aim or goal. Related concepts include 努力 (effort) and 成果 (results).

Meaning: achievement of one's aim or goal (noun)

Which one should you use?

To describe a huge or great success, you can add the kanji 大 to the front of the word to make 大成功.

seikō

The word 成功 is a homophone for 製鋼, which means 'steelmaking'. While they sound identical in speech, the context of a factory versus a business goal prevents confusion.
The second character 功 refers to 'merit' or 'military achievement'. This reflects an ancient history where success was often measured by service to a lord or victory in battle.
In Japanese business culture, a 'success' is rarely claimed by an individual. A person is more likely to attribute 成功 to the collective effort of their team or the support of their superiors.

成功を祈るわ。
I wish for your success.
This sentence shows how to express a wish for someone's success using 成功.
Tatoeba #143233 by KK_kaku_, translation #559684 by Zifre
大成功だった。
It was a huge success.
This sentence illustrates how to describe something as a huge success using 成功.
Tatoeba #3576093 by arnab, translation #1629909 by Spamster
成功の望みはない。
There is no hope of success.
This sentence shows how to express that there is no hope of success using 成功.
Tatoeba #143248 by KK_kaku_, translation #271314 by CK
私のビジネスは成功しました
My business was successful.
目標を達成する
To achieve goals
今日の試合は成功だったね
Today's game was a success, right?
彼はプロジェクトで大成功をおさめた
He achieved a great success in the project.
彼女は大学入試に合格し、成功をつかんだ
She passed the university entrance exam and achieved success.
頑張った甲斐があって、目標を達成した
Thanks to my efforts, I achieved my goal.
今回のイベントは大成功だった
This event was a great success.
彼の成功は誰もが羨むものだ
His success is enviable for everyone.
114 more sentences on Tatoeba

Kenta and Yui are talking about Yui's new business venture.

健太 Kenta

ビジネスの成功を願っているよ。
Bijinesu no seikou o negatte iru yo.
I am wishing for the success of your business.
結衣 Yui

ありがとう、健太さん。
Arigatou, Kenta-san.
Thank you, Kenta.
健太 Kenta

結衣さんの努力は必ず報われるよ。
Yui-san no doryoku wa kanarazu mukuwareru yo.
Your hard work will definitely pay off, Yui.
結衣 Yui

はい、精一杯頑張ります。
Hai, seippai ganbarimasu.
Yes, I will do my very best.

Sources

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