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.
彼はSNSで口撃を受けた。
He received a fierce verbal attack on social media.