Translation guide
A person who shoots from a hidden position, typically with a rifle. In Japanese, the most common word is 狙撃手 (sogekishu), but other terms exist depending on context.
The sniper aimed at the enemy commander.
The police sniper neutralized the suspect.
Loanword from English, commonly used in games, movies, and casual conversation. Can sound slightly less formal than 狙撃手.
In that game, the sniper is the strongest.
Literally 'sniping soldier'. Used in military contexts, but less common than 狙撃手. Can refer to a sniper as a military role.
He was trained as an army sniper.
Someone who targets others from a distance, often in a non-physical sense (e.g., online harassment, criticism).
A player who specializes in long-range shooting in video games or airsoft.
狙撃手 is the native Japanese term and is preferred in formal or official contexts (military, police). スナイパー is a loanword and is more common in casual speech, games, and media. Both are widely understood, but 狙撃手 carries a more serious tone.
English 'to snipe' is often translated as 狙撃する (sogeki suru). For figurative use (e.g., sniping on eBay), スナイプする (sunaipu suru) is used as a loanword.
He's like a person who snipes with words.
Snipers have the advantage on this map.