Meaning and Usage
"降伏" (こうふく) means "surrender" or "submission," often used in military or conflict contexts but also applicable to situations involving giving in to pressure or demands.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used to describe the act of an enemy or opponent giving up in a battle or conflict. It can also be used metaphorically when someone yields to pressure or authority.
Collocations and Patterns
- 降伏する: to surrender or capitulate
- 降伏条件: terms of surrender
- 降伏を迫る: to demand surrender
Register and Nuance
This word is somewhat formal and often appears in written or formal spoken Japanese, such as news reports or historical contexts. It is less common in casual conversation.
Learner Tips
Do not confuse 降伏 with 謙虚 (けんきょ, humility) or 幸福 (こうふく, happiness), which have similar readings but very different meanings. Focus on the kanji 降 (descend) and 伏 (prostrate) to remember the meaning of surrender.