Translation guide
The English word "invasion" covers military invasions, large-scale intrusions, and metaphorical encroachments. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether the focus is on military force, entering or trespassing, or abstract violation of rights or privacy.
A large-scale armed entry into a country or territory with the intent to conquer or occupy.
The most common and direct translation for a military invasion, emphasizing aggression and conquest.
その国は隣国からの侵略を受けた。
The country suffered an invasion from its neighbor.
侵略戦争は国際法で禁止されている。
Wars of invasion are prohibited under international law.
Focuses on the act of advancing into enemy territory, often used in news reports. Slightly more neutral than 侵略.
敵軍が国境を越えて侵攻してきた。
Enemy forces crossed the border and invaded.
Similar to 侵攻 but more military in tone, emphasizing an offensive push. Less common in everyday contexts.
連合軍はノルマンディーに進攻した。
The Allied forces invaded Normandy.
An unwanted entry into a place, such as a building, private property, or personal space, often by a person or group.
General term for entering a place without permission, from burglary to trespassing. Can also be used for abstract intrusions.
昨夜、我が家に泥棒が侵入した。
Last night, a burglar invaded our home.
部外者の侵入を禁ず。
Trespassing by unauthorized persons is prohibited.
Implies a disorderly or forceful entry, often by a group. Used for storming into a room or event.
An encroachment on someone's rights, privacy, or personal domain, often abstract.
Used for violations of rights, privacy, copyright, etc. Not for physical entry.
これはプライバシーの侵害だ。
This is an invasion of privacy.
著作権の侵害で訴えられた。
He was sued for copyright infringement.
Similar to 侵害 but often used for territorial or sovereign rights, or personal space. More formal.
A large number of people or things arriving or spreading in a way that is perceived as overwhelming or unwanted.
Describes a rush or flood of people, calls, orders, etc. Often used for a sudden, overwhelming influx.
新製品の発売日に客が殺到した。
Customers invaded the store on the new product's release day.
Literally 'to surge forward', used for crowds, waves, or a large number of things advancing.
The spread of something harmful or unwelcome, such as a species, idea, or influence.
Literally 'erosion', but used metaphorically for gradual encroachment, e.g., of foreign culture or market share.
外来種の浸食が在来種を脅かしている。
The invasion of alien species threatens native ones.
Also used metaphorically for aggressive expansion, e.g., economic or cultural invasion.
侵略 (shinryaku) is for military invasion or aggressive expansion. 侵入 (shinnyū) is for physical trespassing or breaking in. 侵害 (shingai) is for abstract violations like rights or privacy. Do not mix them up: 'privacy invasion' is プライバシーの侵害, not プライバシーの侵入.
English 'invasion' is often used loosely (e.g., 'an invasion of tourists'). In Japanese, using 侵略 for tourists would sound like a military attack. Use 殺到 or 押し寄せる instead.
ファンがステージに乱入した。
Fans invaded the stage.
領空侵犯は重大な問題だ。
Violation of airspace is a serious issue.
観光客が街に押し寄せた。
Tourists invaded the city.
アメリカ文化の侵略が進んでいる。
The invasion of American culture is progressing.