反撃する

• Reading: はんげきする
• Romaji: hangeki suru
• Kanji breakdown: 反 (han) — against, counter; 撃 (geki) — attack, strike
• Pronunciation: /haɴ.ge.ki.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To counterattack; to strike back; to fight back against an opponent or criticism.

A Group 3 (suru) compound verb combining 反撃 (counterattack) with する. Used in military, sports, debate, and figurative contexts to describe striking back after being attacked or criticised. The noun form 反撃 is equally common, often in phrases like 反撃に出る (to launch a counterattack) and 反撃に転じる (to turn to a counterattack).

Examples

1. チームは後半に入って一気に反撃した。 The team launched a fierce counterattack in the second half.
2. 批判に対して反撃するのではなく冷静に対応すべきだ。 Rather than striking back at criticism, you should respond calmly.
3. 敵の攻撃を受けた後、すぐに反撃に転じた。 After taking the enemy's attack, they immediately turned to a counterattack.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, military, debate, news

Tone: assertive

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 反 (han, against/counter) + 撃 (geki, attack/strike). Literally 'counter-strike,' describing the act of attacking back after being attacked.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal