Translation guide
The concept of achieving one's goals, prosperity, or fulfillment in life. Japanese expressions vary based on nuance: worldly success, personal fulfillment, or making a name for oneself.
To express achieving material success, career advancement, or social status.
Refers to career success, promotion, or rising in the world. Commonly used for professional advancement.
彼は若くして出世した。
He achieved success early in his career.
出世コースに乗る。
To get on the fast track to success.
A general phrase meaning 'to achieve success.' Can be used for various types of success, including career.
彼はビジネスで成功を収めた。
He achieved success in business.
A more formal or literary term for rising in the world and achieving success, often through one's own efforts.
立身出世を夢見て上京した。
He moved to Tokyo dreaming of making a name for himself.
To express a sense of personal achievement, contentment, or living a successful life in a broader sense.
Literally 'success in life.' A direct translation that is natural when discussing life goals or fulfillment.
人生の成功はお金だけでは測れない。
Success in life cannot be measured by money alone.
Means 'a fulfilling life.' Emphasizes personal satisfaction and richness of experience rather than material success.
彼女は充実した人生を送っている。
She is living a fulfilling life.
Means 'happiness.' Can be used in the context of life success, but is broader and less specific to achievement.
To express becoming famous or respected in one's field, leaving a mark.
Literally 'to raise one's name.' Means to become famous or gain recognition.
彼はその発明で名を上げた。
He made a name for himself with that invention.
Means 'successful person.' Often used to describe someone who has achieved recognition and prosperity.
出世 (shusse) specifically refers to career advancement and rising in status, while 成功 (seikou) is a broader term for success in any endeavor. Use 出世 for promotions and professional climbing, and 成功 for general achievements.
The phrase 'success in life' is often translated as 人生の成功, but in many contexts, more specific terms like 出世 or 充実した人生 are more natural. Consider what aspect of success you want to emphasize.
真の幸福は内面から来る。
True happiness comes from within.
彼は成功者として知られている。
He is known as a successful person.