克服（こくふく、kokufuく）
- overcome

The Japanese word 克服 (克服) means to overcome, conquer, or surmount a challenge, obstacle, or difficulty. It implies successfully dealing with and gaining mastery over something that was previously hindering you. It suggests a process of struggle, resilience, and ultimate triumph. This word is often used in the context of personal growth, facing adversity, or achieving a goal that seemed difficult or impossible. It goes beyond simply enduring a hardship; it signifies active engagement and ultimately a successful resolution.

⚫︎困難を克服する Translation: To overcome difficulties. ⚫︎病気を克服する Translation: To overcome an illness. ⚫︎弱点を克服する Translation: To overcome weaknesses.

克服 (克服) is a formal and versatile word. It can be used in various situations, ranging from everyday conversations about personal challenges to more formal settings like business meetings or academic discussions. You can use it when discussing personal achievements, historical events, or even fictional narratives. The level of formality is relatively high, so it is appropriate in many situations, but it may sound a little stiff in very casual conversations.

克服 (克服) is typically written using kanji and hiragana: 克服. The kanji 克 means "to overcome" or "to conquer," and 服 means "to subdue" or "to obey." The word is always written in kanji. The okurigana is standard, with no variations.

⚫︎ 乗り越える (nori koeru) - To overcome; to get over. ⚫︎ 打ち勝つ (uchi katsu) - To win; to conquer. ⚫︎ 征服する (seifuku suru) - To conquer; to subjugate. (more aggressive than 克服) ⚫︎ 乗り切る (nori kiru) - To get through; to survive (a difficult situation).

⚫︎ 負ける (makeru) - To lose. ⚫︎ 敗北する (haiboku suru) - To be defeated; to lose. ⚫︎ 屈する (kus-suru) - To yield; to give in. ⚫︎ 諦める (akirameru) - To give up.

彼は長年の努力の末、ついに恐怖心を克服した。 ・Translation: After years of effort, he finally overcame his fear. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates how 克服 (克服) is used to describe the successful resolution of a personal struggle, in this case, the conquering of fear.

チームは数々の試練を乗り越え、最終的にライバルチームを克服した。 ・Translation: The team overcame many challenges and ultimately defeated the rival team. ・Explanation: Here, 克服 (克服) is used in a competitive context, emphasizing the achievement of overcoming obstacles to win.

The word 克服 (克服) is derived from the combination of two kanji: 克 (koku) and 服 (fuku). 克 originally meant "to overcome" or "to conquer." 服 originally meant "to submit" or "to obey." Combined, the meaning evolved to represent conquering or overcoming a challenge. It reflects the core idea of gaining mastery over something by overcoming it.