Translation guide
How to express the idea of someone or something gaining an advantage, overcoming, or defeating someone, often in a contest, argument, or struggle. Also covers being overwhelmed by an emotion or impulse.
To gain an advantage over someone in a competition, argument, or conflict; to win against someone.
Literally 'strike and defeat'. A strong, direct verb for defeating an opponent in a fight, game, or contest.
彼はライバルを打ち負かした。
He got the better of his rival.
Means 'to surpass' or 'to be superior to'. Often used when one person or thing is better than another in quality or ability.
彼は議論で相手に勝った。
He got the better of his opponent in the argument.
Means 'to outwit' or 'to outmaneuver'. Implies using cleverness or strategy to get ahead of someone.
彼は競争相手を出し抜いた。
He got the better of his competitors.
A casual verb meaning 'to defeat' or 'to beat'. Common in sports and games.
彼はテニスで私を負かした。
He got the better of me in tennis.
When a feeling or desire becomes too strong to control, causing someone to act against their better judgment.
Literally 'to lose'. Used with emotions to mean 'to give in to' or 'to be overcome by'. Very common and natural.
彼は誘惑に負けた。
He let temptation get the better of him.
怒りに負けて言ってはいけないことを言った。
I let anger get the better of me and said things I shouldn't have.
Means 'to yield' or 'to succumb'. More formal than 負ける, often used in writing.
Literally 'to be swallowed up'. Used when someone is overwhelmed by a situation or emotion, losing composure.
To come out ahead in a deal, negotiation, or tricky situation.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to get the upper hand' or 'to gain an advantage'. Used in negotiations or conflicts.
交渉で相手より上手に出た。
He got the better of the other party in the negotiation.
Literally 'one step ahead'. Describes being slightly better or more skilled, often used in competitive contexts.
彼はいつも私より一枚上手だ。
He always gets the better of me.
彼は恐怖に屈しなかった。
He didn't let fear get the better of him.
He let nervousness get the better of him.