出世する
It means to achieve success and recognition in your career or social standing.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we're learning a Japanese word: 出世する (shussei suru). It means to do very well in your job or in life, so people know you and respect you. Imagine you are a little seed, and you grow into a big, strong tree. That's like shussei suru! It's about growing and becoming important. You can use it when you talk about dreams for the future, like becoming a doctor or a great artist. It's a happy word about being successful!
The Japanese verb 出世する (shussei suru) means to achieve success and rise in status, especially in your career. Think of it as getting ahead in your job or becoming well-known for something good you do. For example, a person who works very hard and gets promoted to a manager position has shussei suru. It’s a positive word that describes reaching a higher level of achievement and recognition in society or at work.
出世する (shussei suru) is a Japanese verb that signifies achieving prominence and advancing in one's career or social standing. It’s more than just doing well; it implies gaining recognition, respect, and often a higher position. For instance, if someone starts as an intern and eventually becomes the CEO of a company, they have successfully shussei suru. This term is frequently used when discussing career ambitions, professional growth, and the journey towards significant achievement.
In Japanese, 出世する (shussei suru) describes the process of achieving significant career advancement and social recognition. It goes beyond mere success; it denotes rising to a prominent position, gaining influence, and becoming a recognized figure in one's field. This can apply to various professions, from business and politics to arts and academia. The term often carries a sense of aspiration and is used to describe individuals who have overcome challenges to reach the top echelons of their respective domains.
The Japanese verb 出世する (shussei suru) encapsulates the concept of achieving a distinguished status and widespread recognition, particularly within professional or societal contexts. It implies not only career progression but also the attainment of influence and a notable position within a given hierarchy or community. The term often highlights the journey of an individual who has successfully navigated challenges to emerge as a prominent figure, earning respect and acknowledgment for their accomplishments. It's a nuanced expression that speaks to both personal achievement and public perception.
出世する (shussei suru) is a Japanese verb denoting the attainment of significant social and professional elevation, often marked by public acclaim and a rise in status. Etymologically, it signifies 'emerging into the world,' reflecting the transition from obscurity to prominence. This term is employed to describe individuals who have achieved considerable success, influence, and recognition within their generational cohort or societal sphere. It encompasses not just career advancement but also the establishment of a lasting reputation and a recognized place in the public consciousness, often implying a journey from humble beginnings to a position of considerable importance.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 出世する (shussei suru) means to achieve success and rise in career/social status.
- It implies gaining recognition, promotion, and prominence.
- Distinct from general success (成功する) or just promotion (昇進する).
- A key term for discussing ambition and career advancement in Japanese.
Hey there! Let's dive into the awesome Japanese verb 出世する (shussei suru). It's a word packed with meaning, all about making your mark on the world, especially in your career. Think of it as climbing the ladder of success, getting noticed for your hard work, and reaching a higher status or level of recognition.
When someone shussei suru, they're not just doing their job; they're excelling at it! It can mean getting a big promotion, becoming famous for something you do, or simply achieving a level of respect and influence in your field. It’s that feeling of accomplishment when your efforts pay off and you’re recognized for your achievements. It’s a really positive and aspirational word!
Imagine a young artist who starts out unknown but, through talent and perseverance, becomes a celebrated figure in the art world. That's a perfect example of shussei suru. Or consider a diligent employee who consistently goes above and beyond, eventually earning a leadership position. They too have shussei suru. It’s all about that journey from obscurity or a lower rank to prominence and success.
The word 出世する (shussei suru) is a fascinating blend of kanji that tells a story. The first kanji, 出 (shu/de), means 'to go out,' 'to emerge,' or 'to appear.' The second kanji, 世 (sei/yo), means 'world,' 'society,' or 'generation.' Together, 出世 (shussei) literally means 'to emerge into the world' or 'to appear in society.'
This literal meaning beautifully captures the essence of achieving prominence. It’s as if you are stepping out from the background into the spotlight, making your presence known and felt in the wider world or your specific society. Historically, this term was often used to describe individuals who rose from humble beginnings to achieve high social or political standing, becoming important figures within their generation.
The verb suffix suru (する) is a common auxiliary verb in Japanese, meaning 'to do,' which turns the noun shussei into an action verb. So, shussei suru means 'to do the emerging into the world,' or more practically, 'to achieve success and rise in status.' It’s a term that has been used for centuries to describe social mobility and the attainment of recognition.
出世する (shussei suru) is a versatile verb primarily used in contexts related to career, ambition, and social standing. You'll most often hear it when people are discussing professional goals, achievements, or the paths people take in their working lives. It carries a positive connotation, celebrating advancement and recognition.
Common collocations include 会社で出世する (kaisha de shussei suru - to get ahead at a company), 政治家として出世する (seijika to shite shussei suru - to rise as a politician), or simply 出世の道 (shussei no michi - the path to success). It's often used when talking about someone's aspirations or when congratulating them on a promotion or significant career milestone.
While generally used in a formal or neutral setting, it can also appear in more casual conversations among friends discussing future plans or reminiscing about past successes. The nuance lies in the context; discussing someone's ambition might be neutral, while celebrating their actual achievement leans towards a more congratulatory tone. It’s a key term for understanding discussions about ambition and success in Japanese culture.
While 出世する (shussei suru) itself is a strong term, it's often part of broader expressions related to success and ambition. Here are a few ways this concept appears:
- 出世払い (shussei-barai): This refers to a payment, often a gift or a debt repayment, made after one has achieved success (出世). It's like saying, "I'll pay you back once I'm doing well." Example: 「昔お世話になった先輩に、出世払いで借金を返した。」(Mukashi osewa ni natta senpai ni, shussei-barai de shakkin o kaeshita. - I repaid the debt to my former senior with money earned after achieving success.)
- 出世作 (shussei-saku): This means a "breakthrough work" or a piece of art, literature, or performance that brought an artist fame and recognition. It's the work that launched their career. Example: 「この映画は彼の出世作となった。」(Kono eiga wa kare no shussei-saku to natta. - This movie became his breakthrough work.)
- 成り上がり (nariagari): While not directly containing 出世, this term describes someone who has "risen from rags to riches" or achieved sudden success and high status, often implying a rapid and sometimes controversial ascent. It's a more dramatic form of 'getting ahead.' Example: 「彼は叩き上げで成り上がった実業家だ。」(Kare wa tatakiage de nariagatta jitsugyouka da. - He is a businessman who rose from the ranks to success.)
- 成功への道 (seikou e no michi): This literally means "the path to success." While generic, it’s the conceptual space where shussei suru resides. Example: 「彼女は成功への道をひたすら歩んでいる。」(Kanojo wa seikou e no michi o hitasura aruite iru. - She is relentlessly walking the path to success.)
- 名を上げる (na o ageru): Meaning "to make a name for oneself," this expression is very close in spirit to shussei suru, focusing on gaining reputation and recognition. Example: 「彼はこのプロジェクトで名を上げた。」(Kare wa kono purojekuto de na o ageta. - He made a name for himself with this project.)
出世する (shussei suru) is a standard Group 2 (ichidan) verb in Japanese. This means its conjugation follows predictable patterns. For example, the past tense is 出世した (shussei shita), the negative is 出世しない (shussei shinai), and the te-form is 出世して (shussei shite).
The pronunciation is straightforward: /ʃɯs.se̞ː.sɯ.ɾɯ/. Let's break it down: 'shu' (like 'shoo' but shorter), 'ssei' (a long 'say' sound, with a slight emphasis on the 's'), 'su' (like 'sue' but shorter), and 'ru' (a tapped 'r' sound, similar to the 'dd' in 'ladder'). Pay attention to the long vowel sound in 'ssei' – it's a key part of the pronunciation.
In terms of stress, Japanese doesn't have strong word stress like English. Instead, pitch accent plays a role, but for learners, focusing on pronouncing each syllable clearly and ensuring the long vowel in 'ssei' is noticeable is most important. Rhyming words are less of a focus in Japanese grammar compared to English, but words ending in '-suru' share a similar verb ending.
Fun Fact
The concept of 'shussei' was particularly important in Edo period Japan, where social mobility was limited but individuals could still rise through merit or connections, especially in fields like samurai administration or commerce.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'shuss-say-roo', with the 'say' sound being slightly elongated.
Similar to British, 'shuss-say-roo', with the emphasis on clear syllable pronunciation.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'ssei' as a short 'se'.
- Not emphasizing the 'ss' sound clearly.
- Pronouncing the final 'u' too strongly.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding of nuanced career/social contexts.
Choosing the right context and synonyms can be tricky.
Pronunciation and appropriate usage in conversation.
Often heard in discussions about careers and ambitions.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Ichidan Verbs)
出世する -> 出世します / 出世した / 出世しない
Using で for Location/Means
会社で出世する (get ahead *at* the company)
Expressing Desire (たい形)
出世したい (I want to get ahead)
Examples by Level
私は将来、医者になりたいです。
I / future / doctor / become / want.
なりたいです (naritai desu) - want to become
彼は会社で出世しました。
He / company / at / got ahead.
しました (shimashita) - past tense of する (suru)
この仕事は難しいですが、頑張ります。
This / job / difficult / but / will do my best.
頑張ります (ganbarimasu) - will do my best
彼女は有名な画家です。
She / famous / artist / is.
画家 (gaka) - artist
早く大人になりたい。
Early / adult / become / want.
大人 (otona) - adult
成功は嬉しいです。
Success / happy / is.
成功 (seikou) - success
彼は良い友達です。
He / good / friend / is.
友達 (tomodachi) - friend
明日、新しいことをします。
Tomorrow / new / thing / will do.
新しい (atarashii) - new
彼は努力して、会社で出世した。
He / effort / made, / company / in / got ahead.
努力して (doryoku shite) - making effort
彼女は新しいプロジェクトで成功を収めた。
She / new / project / in / success / achieved.
成功を収めた (seikou o osameta) - achieved success
将来、自分の店を開きたいです。
Future / my / own / shop / open / want.
開きたいです (akitaidesu) - want to open
多くの人が彼の名前を知っています。
Many / people / his / name / know.
名前を知っています (namae o shitte imasu) - know the name
昇進は嬉しいニュースでした。
Promotion / happy / news / was.
昇進 (shoushin) - promotion
彼はチームのリーダーになった。
He / team / 's / leader / became.
リーダーになった (riidaa ni natta) - became a leader
この仕事でキャリアアップしたい。
This / job / with / career up / want to do.
キャリアアップ (kyaria appu) - career up
彼女は目標を達成した。
She / goal / achieved.
目標を達成した (mokuhyou o tassei shita) - achieved a goal
彼は長年の努力が実り、ついに会社で出世した。
He / many years' / effort / bore fruit, / finally / company / in / got ahead.
実り (minori) - bear fruit
彼女は若くして成功し、多くの人に尊敬されている。
She / young / while / succeeded, / many / people / by / respected / is.
尊敬されている (sonkei sarete iru) - is respected
この分野で出世するには、専門知識が不可欠だ。
This / field / in / to get ahead, / specialized knowledge / essential / is.
不可欠だ (fukaketsu da) - is essential
彼の出世作となった小説は、世界中でベストセラーになった。
His / breakthrough work / became / novel / world / throughout / bestseller / became.
小説 (shousetsu) - novel
政治家としての出世を目指している。
Politician / as / 's / rise / aiming for.
目指している (mezashite iru) - aiming for
彼は叩き上げで、今の地位を築き上げた。
He / rose from the ranks / and, / current / position / built up.
叩き上げ (tatakiage) - rising from the ranks
この会社では、実力次第で誰でも出世できる可能性がある。
This / company / in, / ability / depending on / anyone / can get ahead / possibility / exists.
実力次第 (jitsuryoku shidai) - depending on ability
彼女のキャリアは順調に出世街道を歩んでいる。
Her / career / smoothly / path to success / is walking.
出世街道 (shussei kaidou) - path to success
彼は若くして起業し、目覚ましい成功を収めて出世した。
He / young / while / started a business, / remarkable / success / achieved / and got ahead.
起業し (kigyou shi) - started a business
その俳優は、デビュー作が批評家から絶賛され、一躍有名になって出世した。
That / actor / debut work / critics / from / highly praised / and, / suddenly / famous / became / and got ahead.
一躍有名になる (ichiyaku yuumei ni naru) - to become famous overnight
彼女は困難な状況を乗り越え、組織内で確固たる地位を築き、出世していった。
She / difficult / situation / overcame, / organization / within / firm / position / built, / and rose in status.
確固たる地位 (kakkotaru chii) - firm position
現代社会では、単に勤勉なだけでは出世できないことが多い。
Modern / society / in, / simply / diligent / only / with / cannot get ahead / often.
勤勉なだけでは (kinben na dake de wa) - just being diligent
彼の出世の裏には、多くの人々の支援があったと言われている。
His / rise to success / 's / behind / many / people / 's / support / existed / it is said.
支援 (shien) - support
エリートコースを歩み、順調に出世していくエリート社員の物語だ。
Elite / course / walked, / smoothly / rose in status / elite / employee / 's / story / it is.
エリートコース (eriito koosu) - elite course
彼女のリーダーシップは高く評価され、将来の出世が嘱望されている。
Her / leadership / highly / praised, / future / rise to success / is expected.
嘱望されている (shokubou sarete iru) - is expected/hoped for
この会社では、成果主義が徹底されており、実力のある者はどんどん出世していく。
This / company / in, / results-oriented / is thoroughly implemented, / ability / having / those / rapidly / get ahead.
成果主義 (seika shugi) - results-oriented approach
彼は、旧態依然とした組織の壁を打ち破り、革新的なアイデアで出世を遂げた。
He, / old-fashioned / organization / 's / walls / broke through, / innovative / ideas / with / rise to success / achieved.
旧態依然とした (kyuutai izen to shita) - old-fashioned, stagnant
その政治家の華々しい出世の裏には、数々の政治的駆け引きがあったと囁かれている。
That / politician / 's / brilliant / rise to success / 's / behind / numerous / political / maneuvering / existed / it is whispered.
華々しい (hanabanashii) - brilliant, spectacular
彼女は、学術界における長年の地道な研究が実を結び、ついにノーベル賞受賞という形で出世を果たした。
She, / academic world / in / long years' / steady / research / bore fruit, / finally / Nobel Prize / winning / as form / rise to success / accomplished.
地道な研究 (jimichi na kenkyuu) - steady research
彼の出世作となった作品は、既存の価値観を揺るがすものであり、大きな議論を巻き起こした。
His / breakthrough work / became / work / existing / values / shake / something / and, / big / controversy / stirred up.
既存の価値観 (kizon no kachikan) - existing values
現代のキャリアパスは多様化しており、必ずしも伝統的な意味での「出世」だけが成功の指標ではない。
Modern / 's / career path / diversified / and, / necessarily / traditional / sense / in / 'getting ahead' / only / success / 's / indicator / is not.
多様化しており (tayouka shite ori) - has diversified
彼は、自己啓発書から得た知識を駆使し、驚異的なスピードで出世を遂げていった。
He, / self-help books / from / gained / knowledge / utilizing, / astonishing / speed / with / rise to success / achieved.
自己啓発書 (jiko keihatsu sho) - self-help book
その企業の急速な成長は、経営陣の卓越した手腕と、従業員の出世意欲の高さに起因するところが大きい。
That / company / 's / rapid / growth / management / 's / outstanding / skill / and, / employees / 's / desire to get ahead / 's / highness / due to / significant.
卓越した手腕 (takuetsu shita shuwan) - outstanding skill
彼は、権力闘争の末、組織のトップにまで出世したが、その過程で多くのものを失った。
He, / power struggle / 's / end, / organization / 's / top / to even / rose in status, / but / that / process / in / much / things / lost.
権力闘争 (kenryoku tousou) - power struggle
その芸術家の出世作は、当時の芸術界の常識を覆すものであり、後世に多大な影響を与えた。
That / artist / 's / breakthrough work / was, / contemporary / art world / 's / common sense / overturn / something / and, / posterity / great / influence / gave.
後世に多大な影響を与えた (kousei ni tadai na eikyou o ataeta) - had a great influence on posterity
彼は、数奇な運命を辿りながらも、持ち前の才覚で幾多の困難を乗り越え、最終的には政界の頂点にまで出世した。
He, / strange / fate / followed / while, / inherent / talent / with / numerous / difficulties / overcame, / ultimately / political world / 's / summit / to even / rose in status.
数奇な運命 (suuki na unmei) - strange fate
その文学作品は、主人公の社会階層を駆け上がる様子を克明に描き出し、出世という概念に新たな光を当てた。
That / literary work / social class / 's / climb up / appearance / vividly / depicted, / 'getting ahead' / concept / new / light / shone upon.
克明に描き出し (kokuhei ni egaki dashi) - vividly depicted
彼の出世物語は、一夜にして富と名声を手に入れたシンデレラ・ストーリーとは異なり、地道な努力と戦略の積み重ねであった。
His / rise to success / story / overnight / wealth / and / fame / obtained / Cinderella story / with / unlike, / steady / effort / and / strategy / accumulation / was.
戦略の積み重ね (senryaku no tsumikasane) - accumulation of strategies
かつては家柄が重視された時代もあったが、現代においては、個人の能力と実績によって出世が決まる傾向が強い。
Formerly / family background / was valued / era / also existed / but, / in the modern age / individual / 's ability / and / achievements / by / rise to success / is decided / tendency / strong.
家柄 (iegara) - family background
その起業家の出世は、単なる幸運ではなく、時代の潮流を的確に読み、リスクを恐れぬ大胆な決断力の賜物であった。
That / entrepreneur / 's / rise to success / mere / good luck / not, / era / 's / trend / accurately / read, / risk / not fearing / bold / decision-making ability / 's / gift.
時代の潮流 (jidai no chouryuu) - trend of the times
彼は、権威主義的な体制下で、巧みな処世術を駆使して出世の階段を上り詰めた。
He, / authoritarian / system / under, / skillful / social maneuvering / utilizing / rise to success / 's / stairs / climbed to the top.
処世術 (shoseijutsu) - social maneuvering skills
この小説は、主人公が社会の底辺から頂点へと駆け上がる壮大な叙事詩であり、出世というテーマを深く掘り下げている。
This / novel / protagonist / society / 's / bottom / from / summit / to / climb up / grand / epic poem / and, / 'getting ahead' / theme / deeply / explores.
壮大な叙事詩 (soudai na jojishi) - grand epic poem
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"叩き上げで出世する"
To rise from humble beginnings through hard work and perseverance.
彼は叩き上げで社長まで出世した。
neutral"出世の階段を上る"
To climb the ladder of success; to advance steadily in one's career.
彼は着実にキャリアを積み、出世の階段を上っている。
neutral"成り上がり者"
Someone who has risen rapidly from poverty or obscurity to wealth and status (can sometimes imply a lack of refinement).
彼は成り上がり者だが、意外と気さくだ。
casual"名を馳せる (na o haseru)"
To become famous; to make a name for oneself (similar to 'making a name' in the context of success).
その発明家は世界に名を馳せた。
neutral"成功の美酒に酔う"
To be intoxicated by the sweet taste of success (often implies becoming complacent or arrogant).
彼は成功の美酒に酔って、周りが見えなくなってしまった。
neutral/literary"栄光への道"
The path to glory or great success.
アスリートたちは栄光への道を歩む。
neutralEasily Confused
Similar pronunciation ('shus-sei' vs 'shus-shin').
'Shussei suru' means to get ahead in career/status. 'Shusshin suru' means to come from (a place) or graduate from (a school).
彼は東京大学出身です。(He graduated from Tokyo University.) vs. 彼は会社で出世した。(He got ahead at the company.)
Both relate to achieving positive outcomes.
'Seikou suru' is general success (passing a test, winning a game). 'Shussei suru' specifically implies rising in rank, status, or career.
試験に成功した。(I succeeded on the exam.) vs. 彼は試験の後、会社で出世した。(After the exam, he got ahead at the company.)
A promotion is a key part of 'shussei'.
'Shoushin suru' means specifically to be promoted to a higher rank. 'Shussei suru' is broader, encompassing overall career advancement and recognition, which may include promotions but isn't limited to them.
彼は課長に昇進した。(He was promoted to section chief.) - This is a form of 'shussei'.
The kanji '出' (to emerge) is shared with 'shussei'.
'Arawareru' means to appear or show up (e.g., a ghost appeared, the sun appeared). 'Shussei suru' means to emerge into the world *with success and status*.
幽霊が現れた。(A ghost appeared.) vs. 彼は社会に現れるべく、努力を続けた。(He continued his efforts, aiming to emerge into society [with success].)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + で + 出世する
彼は会社で早く出世した。
Adjective + く + 出世する
若くして出世するのは難しい。
Noun + として + 出世する
彼女は政治家として出世を目指している。
Verb (te-form) + 出世する
努力して出世した。
Noun + が実って + 出世する
彼の長年の努力が実って出世した。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
'Shussei suru' implies a rise in status or recognition, not just achieving a goal.
They sound similar but have completely different meanings and kanji.
Focus on the outcome (promotion, recognition) rather than just the achievement (good grades).
'Nariagaru' can sometimes imply a lack of grace or legitimacy in the rise.
The length of vowels is important in Japanese pronunciation and can change meaning.
Tips
Visualize the Kanji
Break down 出世: '出' (exit/go out) + '世' (world). Imagine someone 'exiting' their old life to 'enter' the world stage of success!
Ambition in Japan
The concept of 'shussei' is highly valued in Japanese society, reflecting a strong emphasis on diligence, perseverance, and contributing to society through one's work.
Verb Conjugation
As an ichidan verb, 出世する conjugates simply: 出世します (shussei shimasu), 出世した (shussei shita), 出世しない (shussei shinai). Easy!
Long Vowel Alert!
Don't forget the long 'ei' sound in 'shussei' (しゅっせい). Pronounce it like 'shuss-SAY-ee' to be understood clearly.
Don't Mix Up 'Shussei' and 'Shusshin'
出世する (shussei suru) = get ahead. 出身する (shusshin suru) = come from/graduate from. They sound alike but mean totally different things!
Historical Roots
The idea of 'shussei' was particularly relevant in historical Japan, where rising through the ranks, even within strict social structures, was a significant achievement.
Create a 'Shussei' Story
Write a short story about a fictional character aiming for 'shussei'. Include challenges, efforts, and the final achievement. This reinforces meaning and usage.
Common Partners
Memorize key phrases like 会社で出世する (get ahead at work) and 努力して出世する (get ahead through effort) to use the word naturally.
Synonym Spectrum
Understand the subtle differences between synonyms like 成功する (general success) and 昇進する (promotion) to choose the most precise word.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone 'shoo'-ting out ('shu') into the 'say'-ing ('sei') world to become famous!
Visual Association
Picture a small sprout ('出') pushing out of the ground into the wide 'world' ('世'), growing tall and strong.
Word Web
Challenge
Try using '出世する' in a sentence describing a historical figure or a character from a movie.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: To emerge into the world; to appear in society.
Cultural Context
While generally a positive term, discussing someone's 'shussei' should be done respectfully. In some contexts, excessive focus on personal ambition might be seen as immodest. It's also important to be aware that not everyone prioritizes career advancement above all else.
In English-speaking cultures, concepts like 'climbing the corporate ladder,' 'making a name for oneself,' or 'achieving success' are analogous. The emphasis can vary, with some cultures valuing individual achievement highly, while others might place more importance on collective success or work-life balance.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work / discussing careers
- 会社で出世したいです。
- 彼の出世は早かったですね。
- 出世の階段を上る
Talking about future ambitions
- 将来、成功して出世したい。
- 夢は出世することです。
- 出世を夢見て頑張っています。
Congratulating someone
- 昇進おめでとうございます！まさに「出世」ですね！
- 素晴らしい出世ですね！
- 彼の出世作は話題になりましたね。
Reflecting on success stories
- 彼は叩き上げで出世した。
- 彼女の出世物語は感動的だ。
- 成功の裏には多くの努力があり、出世につながる。
Conversation Starters
"What does 'getting ahead' mean to you?"
"Do you think it's important to 'shussei suru' in life?"
"Can you think of someone famous who really 'shussei shita'?"
"What kind of efforts do you think are needed to 'shussei suru'?"
"How does the idea of 'shussei' compare to success in your own culture?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a character (real or fictional) who you think embodies the spirit of 'shussei suru'.
Write about your own aspirations for career advancement or recognition. How might you 'shussei suru' in your field?
Reflect on the meaning of success. Is 'shussei suru' the ultimate goal, or are there other forms of success?
Imagine you achieve 'shussei'. What would be the first thing you do to celebrate?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions'Seikou suru' is a general term for succeeding in any task or endeavor (e.g., passing a test, winning a game). 'Shussei suru' specifically refers to achieving success and rising in status or rank, particularly within a career or social hierarchy. Think of 'shussei suru' as a more specific type of 'seikou suru'.
Yes, absolutely! 'Shussei suru' is gender-neutral and applies to anyone who achieves career advancement and recognition.
Generally, yes. It implies positive achievement and advancement. However, in some contexts, it might be used neutrally to describe a fact, or even slightly ironically if someone achieved success through questionable means, but the core meaning is positive.
Opposites include '落ちぶれる' (ochibureru - to fall into disgrace/poverty), '失脚する' (shikkyaku suru - to lose one's position/power), or simply not achieving success in one's career.
While achieving high status often leads to financial rewards, 'shussei suru' itself focuses more on the rise in rank, recognition, and influence rather than solely on wealth accumulation.
'Shussei-saku' (出世作) refers to a 'breakthrough work' – a piece of art, writing, or performance that brought an artist or creator significant fame and recognition, marking their rise.
It's quite common, especially when discussing career plans, ambitions, or congratulating someone on a promotion. It's a standard term in discussions about professional life.
There isn't one perfect equivalent. 'To get ahead,' 'to rise in the ranks,' 'to achieve prominence,' or 'to make a successful career' all capture aspects of it, but 'shussei suru' combines status, recognition, and career advancement concisely.
Test Yourself
彼は会社で＿＿＿＿＿しました。
The sentence talks about advancing within a company, so '出世' (getting ahead) is the best fit.
「出世する」の意味はどれですか？
'出世する' specifically means to achieve success and rise in status, particularly in one's career.
「出世する」は、試験に合格することだけを意味する。
While passing an exam can be part of success, '出世する' specifically refers to career and social advancement, not just any success.
Word
Meaning
Understanding the nuances between these related terms is key.
The correct sentence is '彼は努力して出世した' (He worked hard and got ahead).
彼女は若くして＿＿＿＿＿し、多くの人に尊敬されている。
The sentence describes someone young who is respected, implying success ('成功'). While '出世' could fit, '成功' is a more general term here that fits the context of being respected.
「旧態依然とした組織の壁を打ち破り、革新的なアイデアで出世を遂げた」という文脈で、「出世を遂げた」に最も近い意味を持つ言葉はどれか？
「遂げた」 implies accomplishment, and coupled with breaking through barriers with innovative ideas, it signifies achieving significant success ('大きな成功を収めた').
「出世する」は、単に個人的な富の蓄積のみを指す。
'出世する' encompasses social recognition, status, and influence, not just personal wealth accumulation.
私は将来、＿＿＿＿＿したいです。
The sentence expresses a future aspiration, and '出世したい' (want to get ahead) is a common ambition.
彼は長年の努力が実り、ついに＿＿＿＿＿。
The phrase '長年の努力が実り' (years of effort bore fruit) strongly suggests a positive outcome like '出世した' (got ahead).
Score: /10
Summary
出世する is about emerging into the world with recognized success and status.
- 出世する (shussei suru) means to achieve success and rise in career/social status.
- It implies gaining recognition, promotion, and prominence.
- Distinct from general success (成功する) or just promotion (昇進する).
- A key term for discussing ambition and career advancement in Japanese.
Visualize the Kanji
Break down 出世: '出' (exit/go out) + '世' (world). Imagine someone 'exiting' their old life to 'enter' the world stage of success!
Context is Key
Remember, use 出世する for career/social advancement. For general success (like winning a game), use 成功する (seikou suru).
Ambition in Japan
The concept of 'shussei' is highly valued in Japanese society, reflecting a strong emphasis on diligence, perseverance, and contributing to society through one's work.
Verb Conjugation
As an ichidan verb, 出世する conjugates simply: 出世します (shussei shimasu), 出世した (shussei shita), 出世しない (shussei shinai). Easy!
Example
彼は努力して、早く出世した。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More business words
遅めに
B1Late or later than usual.
経理
B1Accounting, accounts department; managing financial records.
的確な
B1Accurate; precise; exactly correct.
達成する
B1To achieve; to accomplish a goal.
活性化
B2To make something more active, lively, or effective. It is used for communities (revitalization), economies (stimulation), and biological processes (activation).
付加
B2To add or attach something extra to an existing thing to increase its value or function.
優位性
B2The state of being in a superior or more advantageous position compared to others; an edge or competitive advantage.
有利
A2Advantageous, favorable; beneficial in a situation.
有利に
B1Advantageously; favorably.
宣伝する
B1To promote; to publicize; to advertise.
