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
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 襲う and 来襲.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "来襲" represents "attack, invasion, raid (often by natural disaster, enemy, or pest)".