克服する

• Reading: こくふくする
• Romaji: kokufuku suru
• Kanji breakdown: 克 (koku) — to overcome, be able; 服 (fuku) — to submit, subdue
• Pronunciation: /ko.kɯ.ɸɯ.kɯ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To overcome; to conquer; to surmount. Used for triumphing over difficulties, fears, or weaknesses.

A する verb formed from the noun 克服 (overcoming). Implies determined effort to defeat a challenge. Used for personal struggles (恐怖を克服する), health issues (病気を克服する), and abstract challenges. More literary and emphatic than 乗り越える. Carries a strong sense of achievement.

Examples

1. 彼は病気を克服して職場に復帰した。 He overcame his illness and returned to work.
2. 高所恐怖症を克服するために訓練を受けた。 I underwent training to overcome my fear of heights.
3. チームは多くの困難を克服した。 The team overcame many difficulties.

Usage Guide

Context: self-improvement, medicine, sports

Tone: determined

Origin & History

Compound of 克 (koku, to overcome/be able) and 服 (fuku, to submit/subdue). Together they describe making difficulties submit — conquering adversity.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal