Translation guide
A surprise attack made without warning, often from hiding. In Japanese, this can be expressed with specific nouns, verbs, and idiomatic phrases.
To describe a sudden, unexpected attack, often in military or strategic contexts.
To describe a surprise attack in video games, sports, or playful contexts.
To express the action of performing a sneak attack.
The most natural way to say 'to launch a sneak attack'. Uses the verb かける (to launch/carry out).
彼らは夜中に奇襲をかける計画を立てた。
They planned to launch a sneak attack at midnight.
The enemy launched a sneak attack at dawn.
Literally 'unexpected strike'. Emphasizes the element of surprise, often used in both physical and metaphorical attacks.
彼の不意打ちの質問に驚いた。
I was surprised by his sneak attack of a question.
A sudden raid or assault. More literary and less common than 奇襲.
部隊は敵陣に急襲を仕掛けた。
The unit carried out a sneak attack on the enemy camp.
A compound meaning 'surprise attack', often used in gaming to describe a sneak attack move or strategy.
このゲームでは奇襲攻撃が有効だ。
Sneak attacks are effective in this game.
A verb phrase meaning 'to catch someone off guard' or 'to take by surprise'. Can be used in competitive contexts.
相手の不意を突いて攻撃した。
I attacked the opponent with a sneak attack.
Literally 'to do a surprise attack'. Slightly less formal than 奇襲をかける.
彼は後ろから不意打ちをした。
He made a sneak attack from behind.