Translation guide
The English word "invader" refers to someone who enters a place by force, often with hostile intent. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 侵略者 (しんりゃくしゃ), but other words are used depending on the context, such as military invasion, home intrusion, or metaphorical use.
A person or group that enters a country or territory by force, typically as part of an invasion.
The standard term for an invader in the context of war or military aggression. It carries a strong negative connotation.
侵略者が国境を越えた。
The invaders crossed the border.
彼らは侵略者と戦った。
They fought against the invaders.
A more formal or literary term for an invader, often used in historical or military contexts. Less common than 侵略者.
侵攻者は城を包囲した。
The invaders laid siege to the castle.
An archaic term for an invader, specifically referring to a raiding or marauding force. Rarely used in modern Japanese.
来寇者が村を焼き払った。
The invaders burned down the village.
A person who enters a building or private property without permission, often with criminal intent.
The most common word for an intruder or trespasser. Used for burglars, home invaders, or unauthorized entrants.
昨夜、侵入者が家に入った。
An intruder entered the house last night.
警報が侵入者を感知した。
The alarm detected an intruder.
A legal term for a trespasser or unlawful intruder. Emphasizes the illegality of the entry.
不法侵入者は逮捕された。
The trespasser was arrested.
A person, team, or thing that encroaches on someone else's domain, often used figuratively.
In metaphorical contexts, Japanese often uses the same words but may prefer verbal expressions. For example, in sports, an away team might be called 侵略者, but it's more natural to say 敵地に乗り込む (to venture into enemy territory).
彼らは敵地に乗り込んだ。
They invaded the opponent's home ground.
外来種が生態系を侵略している。
Invasive species are invading the ecosystem.
侵略者 is used for large-scale military or political invasions, while 侵入者 is for individual trespassing or burglary. Using 侵略者 for a home intruder would sound overly dramatic and unnatural.
侵略者が国を占領した。
The invaders occupied the country.
侵入者が窓から入った。
The intruder came in through the window.
Directly translating 'invader' as インベーダー is only used in specific contexts like the game 'Space Invaders' (スペースインベーダー). In normal speech, it sounds unnatural and should be avoided.
スペースインベーダーは昔のゲームだ。
Space Invaders is an old game.
侵略者は防衛軍に撃退された。
The invaders were repelled by the defenders.
改装後、彼は自分の家で侵入者のように感じた。
He felt like an invader in his own home after the renovation.