勝つ

• Reading: かつ
• Romaji: katsu
• Kanji breakdown: 勝 (shou/ka) — win, victory, surpass
• Pronunciation: /ka.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

To win; to triumph; to gain victory. Used for competitions, games, and conflicts.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb. The particle に marks the opponent: AがBに勝つ (A beats B). The opposite is 負ける (makeru, to lose). Extremely common in sports, games, arguments, and elections. Also used in expressions like 誘惑に勝つ (to overcome temptation).

Examples

1. 昨日のサッカーの試合で日本が勝った。 Japan won yesterday's soccer match.
2. 友達にテニスで勝つことができた。 I managed to beat my friend at tennis.
3. 何回やっても弟にゲームで勝てない。 No matter how many times I try, I can't beat my brother at video games.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, games, competitions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 勝 combines 月 (flesh/body) with 力 (power) and other components. Depicts physical strength overcoming an opponent — the essence of victory.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal