Translation guide
Describes a sudden, powerful forward movement, often of crowds, water, or emotions. Japanese uses different words depending on what is surging and the nuance.
To describe a large group of people suddenly rushing forward together.
Literally 'to rush in a killing wave.' Used when crowds surge toward a place, like a store opening or a concert entrance.
Customers surged forward as soon as the store opened.
To surge or rush forward like a wave. Often used for crowds, but also for natural phenomena like waves or emotions.
The audience surged toward the stage.
To surge or pour in like an avalanche. Emphasizes a sudden, unstoppable influx.
Fans surged into the venue.
To describe a sudden rush of water, like a wave or flood.
To describe a sudden strong feeling, like anger, excitement, or hope.
To describe a sudden sharp increase in a measurable quantity.
To describe a sudden rush of power, electricity, or force.
Both mean 'to surge,' but 殺到する focuses on the destination (rushing to a place), while 押し寄せる emphasizes the movement itself, like a wave. 殺到する is often used for crowds heading to a specific point; 押し寄せる can be used for crowds, water, or abstract things like emotions.
English 'surging' covers many concepts. Do not use a single Japanese word for all cases. Choose based on what is surging: people, water, emotions, numbers, or power.
Hope surged within me.
The ground surged upward from the earthquake.