How to say "blitz" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounA direct borrowing of 'blitz'. It mirrors the English word's range but is less common, so learners will usually be better served by one of the native terms.
- 大空襲だいくうしゅうnoun, noun (suffix)The military-historical sense: a major air raid, the large-scale bombing of a city — what English calls 'the Blitz'. Use it for actual bombing campaigns, not for fast attacks or figurative blitzes.
- 電撃戦でんげきせんnounThe military tactic of a swift, overwhelming offensive — essentially 'blitzkrieg' or 'lightning war'. Use it when 'blitz' means this rapid, decisive form of warfare rather than a figurative blitz of activity.
- 電撃でんげきnoun, prenominal modifierThe common word for a lightning attack: a sudden, fast strike. Use it for the swift blow itself, including figurative uses for any sudden, swift action; the military doctrine of rapid warfare is 電撃戦.
Use 大空襲 for a massive air raid on a city, 電撃戦 for the military tactic of a rapid overwhelming offensive, 電撃 for a swift sudden attack in general, and 「ブリッツ」 as the direct loanword.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
