狙い撃つ

• Reading: ねらいうつ
• Romaji: neraiutsu
• Kanji breakdown: 狙 (so/nera) — aim, target; 撃 (geki/u) — shoot, strike
• Pronunciation: /ne.ɾa.i.ɯ.tsɯ/

Meaning

To take deliberate aim and shoot; to target someone or something selectively and intentionally.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb of 狙い (aim, targeting) and 撃つ (to shoot, to strike). The literal sense is firing a weapon with careful, targeted aim rather than random shooting. Figuratively, it describes singling out a specific person, group, or target for criticism, regulation, marketing, or attack. 狙い撃ちする (the noun-verb form) is also common. The word carries connotations of deliberateness and selectivity, implying the target was specifically chosen.

Examples

1. 増税改革は富裕層を狙い撃ちにしたものだという批判が野党から上がった。 Opposition parties criticised the tax reform as a measure that deliberately singled out wealthy people.
2. 狙い撃つような精密な広告ターゲティングが、消費者のプライバシーを侵害すると問題視されている。 Precision advertising targeting that singles out specific individuals has been flagged as a problem that infringes on consumer privacy.
3. スナイパーは敵の指揮官だけを狙い撃って、一般兵には手を出さなかった。 The sniper targeted only the enemy commander and left ordinary soldiers alone.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, military, advertising, criticism

Tone: negative

Origin & History

Compound of 狙い (aim, targeting — from 狙う, to aim at) and 撃つ (to shoot/strike). Both components have roots in classical military vocabulary, and the combination emphasises focused, intentional targeting as opposed to indiscriminate action.

Cultural Context

Era: Contemporary

Generation: Adult

Social background: General