攻撃する

• Reading: こうげきする
• Romaji: kougeki suru
• Kanji breakdown: 攻 (kō) — attack, strike; 撃 (geki) — strike, hit, beat
• Pronunciation: /koː.ɡe.ki.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To attack; to assault; to launch an offensive against a target.

A する verb used for both physical attacks (military, sports) and verbal/emotional attacks (criticism, cyberbullying). Common phrases: 攻撃的 (aggressive), サイバー攻撃 (cyber attack), 人身攻撃 (personal attack). In sports contexts, 攻撃 means offence (as opposed to 守備/defence). The noun form 攻撃 is equally common.

Examples

1. 敵軍が夜明けとともに攻撃してきた。 The enemy forces launched their attack at dawn.
2. ネット上で見知らぬ人を攻撃するのはやめるべきだ。 People should stop attacking strangers online.
3. サッカーでは攻撃するだけでなく守備も大事だ。 In soccer, defense is just as important as offense.

Usage Guide

Context: military, sports, online discourse

Tone: forceful

Origin & History

Compound of 攻 (attack, strike) + 撃 (strike, hit, beat). Both characters involve striking, reinforcing the aggressive meaning.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal