Translation guide
The English word 'blitz' can refer to a sudden military attack, an intense effort, or a rapid sports tactic. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
A swift, surprise military offensive, often involving air raids or a concentrated assault.
Direct translation of 'lightning war', used for the German Blitzkrieg and similar rapid offensives.
The German army attacked Poland with a blitzkrieg.
A sudden raid or surprise attack, often used in military contexts.
They heightened their guard in preparation for an enemy blitz.
Specifically an air raid, often associated with the Blitz in London during WWII.
London suffered a major blitz.
A concentrated, energetic push to achieve something quickly, like a marketing blitz or a cleaning blitz.
Literally 'concentrated attack', used figuratively for an all-out effort in business, sports, or other areas.
They launched a blitz to promote the new product.
Means 'to finish off in one go', capturing the sense of a rapid, decisive effort.
A fierce attack or onslaught; can be used figuratively for an intense campaign, though it retains a combative nuance.
A fast, aggressive play designed to overwhelm the opponent, such as a defensive blitz in football or a quick attack in chess.
While 電撃戦 is the direct equivalent for 'blitzkrieg', using it for a marketing blitz or cleaning blitz would sound unnatural. Instead, use phrases like 集中攻撃 or 一気に片付ける.
Let's do a cleaning blitz over the weekend.
選挙戦で相手候補に猛攻を仕掛けた。
They mounted a blitz against the opposing candidate in the election campaign.
チェスで速攻を仕掛けて相手を驚かせた。
He surprised his opponent with a blitz in chess.