Japanese word

攻める

Pronunciation

Romajisemeru

Meaning

  • verbattack

Example

試合では相手のゴールを攻めます。shi ai de wa ai te no gō ru o se me ma su

In the game, we attack the other team's goal.

Illustration for 攻める (attack)

More examples

相手の弱点を見つけて、そこを攻めます。ai te no jaku ten o mi tsu ke te so ko o se me ma su

We find the opponent's weakness and attack it.

Core concept

Describes moving toward an opponent with force or purposeful action to put pressure on them rather than protect oneself.

Common phrases

  • 相手を攻めるai te o se me ru

    attack the opponent

  • 弱点を攻めるjaku ten o se me ru

    attack a weak point

  • 積極的に攻めるsek kyoku teki ni se me ru

    attack aggressively

Similar words

攻撃するkōgekisuru: To attack an opponent or target with the aim of causing damage or gaining an advantage.
仕掛けるshikakeru: To begin an attack or other action against an opponent.
襲うosou: To move against a person or place suddenly and with force.

Definition in Japanese

相手に向かって力や行動を仕掛け、打ち負かそうとする。ai te ni mu ka tte chikara ya kō dō o shi ka ke u chi ma ka sō to su ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 攻める (semeru) is the modern form of the classical verb 攻む (semu, "to attack").

Usage tips

  • In sports, 攻める (semeru) commonly means to play offensively and seek a chance to score, so attack is not limited to fighting.

Opposites

Related words

  • 攻め方semekataway of attackingnoun
  • 攻め手semeteattackernoun

Word lists with this word