Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Attack" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "attack", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
攻撃
こうげき (kōgeki)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
来襲
らいしゅう (raishū)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "attack" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 攻撃 and 来襲.
In Japanese, 攻撃 (こうげき (kōgeki)) is typically associated with "attack, assault, offense (sports), criticism" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used for physical attacks in war or sports, or for verbal attacks/criticism. Often combined with する.
On the other hand, 来襲 (らいしゅう (raishū)) maps to "attack, invasion, raid (often by natural disaster, enemy, or pest)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Implies a sudden, often unexpected and large-scale attack or arrival, frequently used for natural disasters, pests, or enemies.. A literal translation of "attack" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "攻撃"
敵は朝早く町を攻撃した。
The enemy attacked the town early in the morning.
Bilingual Context for "来襲"
大型台風の来襲に備え、住民は避難した。
Residents evacuated in preparation for the arrival (attack) of the large typhoon.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "敵は朝早く町を ＿＿＿ した。" (Meaning: "The enemy attacked the town early in the morning.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "攻撃" fits here because it means "attack, assault, offense (sports), criticism" in the context of: "The enemy attacked the town early in the morning.". "来襲" represents "attack, invasion, raid (often by natural disaster, enemy, or pest)".