Translation guide
The English word "conquest" covers military takeover, winning love or admiration, overcoming challenges, and acquired territory. Japanese uses different words for each meaning. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Taking control of a country or people by force
the conquest of the Aztec Empire · military conquest · the Norman Conquest
The most direct translation for military conquest. Used for historical invasions, subjugation of peoples, or conquering nations.
ローマ帝国は広大な領土を征服した。
The Roman Empire conquered vast territories.
征服戦争は多くの犠牲を生んだ。
Wars of conquest caused many casualties.
Emphasizes gaining control or suppressing resistance, often used in military or police contexts. More about overpowering than long-term rule.
反乱軍は政府軍によって制圧された。
The rebel forces were subdued by the government army.
Often used for capturing a fortress, castle, or in gaming contexts (clearing a stage). Can also mean strategy guide.
敵の城を攻略するのは難しかった。
Capturing the enemy castle was difficult.
Gaining someone's affection, trust, or admiration through effort or charm
his conquest of her heart · a romantic conquest · she was his latest conquest
Literally 'shoot the heart', meaning to win someone's love. Romantic and slightly dramatic.
彼はついに彼女の心を射止めた。
He finally won her heart.
Literally 'victory in love', used to describe a romantic conquest. More abstract.
彼の恋の勝利は友達の間で話題になった。
His romantic conquest became the talk among friends.
To persuade someone into a romantic relationship through persistent wooing. Can sound calculated.
Successfully dealing with a difficult task, fear, or obstacle
the conquest of Mount Everest · conquering your fears · the conquest of space
Used for overcoming difficulties, fears, weaknesses, or problems. Not for military or romantic contexts.
彼は高所恐怖症を克服した。
He conquered his fear of heights.
多くの困難を克服して成功した。
He succeeded by overcoming many difficulties.
Implies dominating or mastering a field, such as sports or business. Connotes achieving supremacy.
Specifically for traversing or conquering a difficult route, like a mountain trail or long journey.
Land or people that have been conquered
the Roman conquests · territorial conquests · the spoils of conquest
Literally 'conquered land'. Refers to territory gained through conquest.
その征服地は後に独立した。
The conquered territory later became independent.
General term for territory or dominion, not necessarily acquired by conquest but often used in that context.
征服によって領土を拡大した。
They expanded their territory through conquest.
While 征服 can mean 'conquest' in a broad sense, using it for overcoming personal fears or difficulties sounds unnatural. Use 克服 instead.
恐怖を克服する
conquer fear
征服 implies long-term subjugation and rule, while 制圧 focuses on the act of overpowering or suppressing resistance. Use 制圧 for police actions or temporary military control.
彼は熱心に彼女を口説き落とした。
He ardently wooed and won her over.
He achieved the conquest of three titles.
He conquered the Himalayas alone.