Meaning and Usage
"成功" (せいこう) means "success" or "achievement" and is commonly used to describe the positive outcome of efforts, plans, or projects. It is a noun but often appears in the verb form "成功する" (to succeed).
Common Contexts
You will hear "成功" in business, school, and everyday life when talking about achieving goals or favorable results. It can describe both small personal successes and large-scale achievements.
Collocations and Patterns
- "成功する" (to succeed): the most common verb form.
- "大成功" (だいせいこう): great success, often used to emphasize a very positive result.
- "成功を収める" (せいこうをおさめる): to achieve success, often used in formal or written contexts.
Nuances and Tips
Using "成功" implies that the outcome was positive and often the result of effort or planning. Be careful not to confuse it with "運" (luck), as "成功" emphasizes achievement rather than chance. When speaking politely, "成功しました" is a common way to say "it succeeded".
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "成功" with "成長" (growth). Remember, "成功" is about achieving a goal, while "成長" refers to development or growth over time.