become · achieve

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 成 has 6 strokes, the on-readings せい and じょう, and the kun-readings なる and なす. 成功 (せいこう) and 完成 (かんせい) describe different aspects of accomplishment.
• Basic usage: 成功 means that an attempt succeeds; 完成 means that something being made is complete.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A successful attempt and a completed result
  • ようやく実験に成功した means that the experiment finally succeeded after repeated attempts. 小さな成功 refers to a small success celebrated together.
  • 半年かけて木造の橋が完成した means that a wooden bridge was completed after six months of work. 完成まであと一つ部品が必要だ means that one more part is needed for completion.