攻める

• Reading: せめる
• Romaji: semeru
• Kanji breakdown: 攻 (kō/se) — attack, assault, offence
• Pronunciation: /se.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To attack; to assault; to go on the offensive. Taking aggressive action against an opponent.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb. Used for military attacks (敵を攻める), sports offence (相手のゴールを攻める), and strategic aggression in games (将棋で攻める). Distinct from 責める (to blame, same pronunciation). The noun form 攻め refers to the offensive side in games or battle. Also used figuratively for an aggressive approach (攻めの経営 — aggressive management).

Examples

1. サッカーで後半は積極的に攻めた。 In the second half of the soccer game, we went on the attack.
2. 敵の弱点を攻めるのが戦略の基本だ。 Targeting the enemy's weak points is the basis of strategy.
3. 守りだけでなく攻める姿勢も大切だ。 An offensive mindset is important, not just defense.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, strategy, games

Tone: intense

Origin & History

The kanji 攻 combines 工 (craft/work) and 攵 (strike). Originally depicted a skilled, calculated strike — an attack with craftsmanship and strategy.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal