Translation guide
The English verb 'invade' covers military invasions, unwanted intrusions, and figurative encroachments. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being invaded and the nuance.
To enter a country or territory with armed forces in order to attack or occupy it.
The most common and direct translation for military invasion. Implies aggression and conquest.
The country was invaded by its neighbor.
Often used for military advances or incursions, especially in news reports. Slightly more formal.
Enemy forces invaded across the border.
Literally 'attack and enter'. Used for military invasions, emphasizing the act of entering to attack.
The enemy invaded our territory.
To enter a place in large numbers, often disruptively or without permission.
Describes crowds, water, or things surging into a place. Often used for tourists, fans, or floodwaters.
Tourists invaded the town.
General term for trespassing or breaking in. Can be used for burglars, animals, or even computer hacking.
A burglar invaded the house.
Implies a sudden, forceful rushing in, like a crowd flooding into a stadium.
To intrude upon someone's privacy, rights, or personal space in a non-physical way.
To spread into an area and cause damage, used for invasive species, diseases, or unwanted organisms.
To occupy one's mind or emotions completely, often negatively.
Directly translating 'invade' as 侵略する for non-military situations (e.g., 'tourists invaded the beach') sounds unnatural and overly aggressive. Use context-appropriate verbs like 押し寄せる or 侵入する.
侵略する implies a large-scale, organized military invasion with intent to conquer. 侵入する is more general, covering trespassing, breaking in, or biological invasions. Use 侵略する for war contexts, and 侵入する for burglary, hacking, or invasive species.
Fans invaded the stadium.
To invade individual rights.
雑草が庭に蔓延っている。
Weeds are invading the garden.
Sadness invaded him.