Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Attack" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "attack", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
襲う
おそう (osou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
攻撃
こうげき (kōgeki)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "attack" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 襲う and 攻撃.
In Japanese, 襲う (おそう (osou)) is typically associated with "to attack; to assault; to raid; to strike (e.g., by disaster)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Can refer to a physical attack by a person or animal, or to being struck by an event or emotion.
On the other hand, 攻撃 (こうげき (kōgeki)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "attack" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "襲う"
強盗が夜中に家を襲った。
A burglar attacked the house in the middle of the night.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "強盗が夜中に家を襲った。" (Meaning: "A burglar attacked the house in the middle of the night.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "襲う" fits here because it means "to attack; to assault; to raid; to strike (e.g., by disaster)" in the context of: "A burglar attacked the house in the middle of the night.". "攻撃" represents "attack, assault, offense (sports), criticism".