Translation guide
Describes a violent, intense, or aggressive assault, either physical or verbal. Japanese uses different words depending on whether the attack is physical, verbal, or metaphorical, and the level of intensity.
A physically aggressive and intense attack, often in combat or sports.
A fierce, all-out attack; often used in military contexts or sports to describe a relentless offensive.
敵は猛攻を仕掛けてきた。
The enemy launched a fierce attack.
A general phrase meaning 'violent attack'; can be used for physical assaults, but also for verbal or online attacks.
彼は激しい攻撃を受けて倒れた。
He fell under a fierce attack.
A sudden, fierce assault or raid; often used in military or police contexts.
特殊部隊がテロリストのアジトを強襲した。
The special forces launched a fierce attack on the terrorist hideout.
A harsh, aggressive verbal assault or severe criticism.
Fierce criticism or condemnation; commonly used in news or formal contexts.
その政治家は野党から激しい非難を浴びた。
The politician came under fierce attack from the opposition.
A fierce backlash or strong negative reaction; often used when a proposal or statement is met with intense opposition.
その計画は住民から猛反発を受けた。
The plan met with a fierce attack from residents.
A pun on 攻撃 (attack) using the kanji for 'mouth', meaning a verbal attack; somewhat slangy and used in casual contexts.
A powerful, aggressive offensive action in a competitive setting.
Same as above, but specifically used in sports commentary to describe a relentless offensive.
チームは後半に猛攻を仕掛けた。
The team launched a fierce attack in the second half.
A fierce offensive; 攻め (せめ) is the noun form of 攻める, meaning 'to attack' or 'to go on the offensive'.
相手の激しい攻めに耐えきれなかった。
They couldn't withstand the opponent's fierce attack.
猛攻 (もうこう) implies a concentrated, sustained, and often overwhelming attack, while 激しい攻撃 (はげしいこうげき) is a more general term for any violent or intense attack. 猛攻 is common in sports and military contexts, whereas 激しい攻撃 can be used for physical, verbal, or online attacks.
He received a fierce verbal attack on social media.