Translation guide
The act of surrendering or giving in, often after negotiation or under pressure. In Japanese, the expression depends on the context: military surrender, giving in to demands, or admitting defeat.
Formal surrender of armed forces or territory, typically in a war context.
The standard term for military surrender. Used in historical and formal contexts.
Yielding to pressure, demands, or arguments, often in a non-military context like negotiations or personal conflicts.
Acknowledging loss or failure, often in a competitive or argumentative context.
To admit defeat. Natural in sports, games, or debates.
彼は潔く負けを認めた。
He gracefully capitulated (admitted defeat).
The English word 'capitulation' is often translated as 降伏, but this is primarily military. In everyday contexts, use more natural expressions like 折れる or 負けを認める.
日本は1945年に降伏した。
Japan capitulated in 1945.
Verb form: to surrender. Often used with を to indicate the entity surrendered to.
敵軍は連合軍に降伏した。
The enemy forces capitulated to the Allied forces.
Unconditional surrender. A specific historical term, often referring to WWII.
連合国は無条件降伏を要求した。
The Allies demanded unconditional capitulation.
Literally 'to bend/break', but idiomatically means to give in or compromise. Common in everyday speech.
彼は最後に折れて、要求を受け入れた。
He finally capitulated and accepted the demands.
To concede or make a concession. More formal than 折れる, suitable for business or diplomatic contexts.
交渉の末、会社側が譲歩した。
After negotiations, the company side capitulated.
To yield or succumb, often under pressure or threat. Somewhat literary.
彼は脅迫に屈しなかった。
He did not capitulate to the threats.
Literally 'to raise a white flag'. Idiomatic for surrendering or giving up.
議論に疲れて、彼は白旗を揚げた。
Tired of arguing, he capitulated (raised the white flag).
Loanword from English 'give up'. Casual and often used in games or lighthearted contexts.
難しすぎて、ギブアップした。
It was too hard, so I capitulated (gave up).