成功する

• Reading: せいこうする
• Romaji: seikou suru
• Kanji breakdown: 成 (sei/na) — become, accomplish; 功 (kou) — merit, achievement
• Pronunciation: /seː.koː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To succeed; to be successful. Describes achieving a desired outcome or goal.

A Group 3 (irregular) する verb formed from the noun 成功 (success). Often used with the particle に to indicate what one succeeded in. The noun form 成功 can stand alone to mean success in general.

Examples

1. 試験に成功して、とてもうれしかったです。 I succeeded on the exam, and I was really happy.
2. プロジェクトが成功するように頑張りましょう。 Let's work hard so the project succeeds.
3. 彼は自分のビジネスを成功させた。 He made his own business a success.

Usage Guide

Context: work, study, goals

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 成 (sei/na) meaning become or accomplish and 功 (kou) meaning merit or achievement. Together they convey accomplishing something meritorious.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal