成し遂げる

• Reading: なしとげる
• Romaji: nashitogeru
• Kanji breakdown: 成 (sei/na) — achieve, become; 遂 (sui/to) — accomplish, carry through
• Pronunciation: /na.ɕi.to.ɡe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To accomplish; to achieve; to fulfil a difficult goal or mission through sustained effort.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb composed of 成す (to accomplish) and 遂げる (to carry through to the end). The combination emphasises not just reaching a result but seeing something through to its full completion despite obstacles. It is used for significant achievements — finishing a long-term project, realising a life ambition, or completing a mission. The word carries a tone of resolve and perseverance, making it a common choice in formal speeches and written narratives.

Examples

1. 十年にわたる研究の末、彼女はついに自分の夢を成し遂げることができた。 After ten years of research, she was finally able to accomplish her dream.
2. どんな困難があっても、一度決めたことは必ず成し遂げてみせるという意志が伝わってきた。 No matter what difficulties arose, his resolve to see through whatever he had decided upon was plain to see.
3. 小さなチームが大企業との競争に勝ったとき、偉業を成し遂げたと報道された。 When the small team won out against a large corporation, the press reported that they had achieved a remarkable feat.

Usage Guide

Context: career, personal growth, speeches, literature

Tone: positive

Origin & History

A compound verb formed from 成す (to do, to achieve, from Old Japanese) and 遂げる (to accomplish, to carry to completion). The pairing intensifies the sense of purposeful, completed effort, distinguishing it from simply doing or starting something.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical to Contemporary

Generation: All ages

Social background: General