Translation guide
The English word "attack" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical violence to verbal criticism, sports tactics, and even medical episodes. This guide organizes the most common uses for learners and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To physically harm someone or something, often violently.
The most common verb for a sudden physical attack, often by a person or animal. Can also be used for natural disasters or sleep.
男が夜道で女性を襲った。
A man attacked a woman on the street at night.
熊がキャンプ場を襲った。
A bear attacked the campsite.
A more formal or military term for an attack. Used for planned assaults, military operations, or in sports contexts.
敵が基地を攻撃した。
The enemy attacked the base.
Specifically refers to physical assault or battery, often used in legal contexts.
彼は暴行の容疑で逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of assault.
To strongly criticize someone or something in speech or writing.
General term for blaming or criticizing someone, often publicly.
新聞は政府の対応を非難した。
The newspaper attacked the government's response.
Can also be used metaphorically for verbal attacks, similar to English.
彼は私の意見を激しく攻撃した。
He attacked my opinion fiercely.
Loanword from English 'bashing', used for harsh public criticism, especially in media.
その俳優はSNSでバッシングされた。
The actor was attacked on social media.
To try to score points or goals against an opponent in sports.
General verb for going on the offensive in sports or games.
後半は積極的に攻めよう。
Let's attack aggressively in the second half.
Also used in sports contexts, but slightly more formal or strategic.
チームは右サイドから攻撃を仕掛けた。
The team launched an attack from the right side.
A sudden occurrence of a medical condition, such as a heart attack or asthma attack.
General term for a sudden attack of illness, such as a heart attack (心臓発作) or asthma attack (喘息発作).
彼は心臓発作で倒れた。
He collapsed from a heart attack.
喘息の発作が起きた。
I had an asthma attack.
Loanword used in some medical terms like 'panic attack' (パニックアタック), but less common than 発作.
An attempt to damage or disrupt computer systems or networks.
Standard term for cyber attack.
その会社はサイバー攻撃を受けた。
The company suffered a cyber attack.
Refers specifically to hacking, often used when systems are broken into.
To begin dealing with a task or problem with great energy.
Means to tackle or grapple with a problem or task. Not a direct translation of 'attack', but conveys the same energetic approach.
彼はその問題に積極的に取り組んだ。
He attacked the problem vigorously.
Means to set about or start a task, often used in formal contexts.
新しいプロジェクトに着手した。
We attacked the new project.
While 攻撃する can be used for physical, verbal, and sports attacks, it sounds unnatural for medical episodes or starting a task. Use the specific terms provided.
襲う implies a sudden, often violent attack, frequently by surprise. 攻撃する is more about a planned, strategic attack. For a mugging, use 襲う; for a military strike, use 攻撃する.
パニックアタックの症状が出た。
I had symptoms of a panic attack.
The site was attacked by hackers.