How to say "overwhelming" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

風靡ふうびCommon
noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers overwhelming in the sense of captivating and dominating people wholesale, as a movement or charm sweeping through society. It is a verb-style noun, so it suits sweeping (the world) contexts rather than describing a single thing as overwhelming.
圧倒的あっとうてきCommon
na-adjectiveThe adjective for overwhelming in the everyday sense: overwhelming force, superiority, or a decisive margin. When you want to say something is simply overwhelming, this is usually the word to reach for.
私わたしたちの行動こうどうの圧倒的あっとうてきな部分ぶぶんは学まなんで身みについたものだ。↗
An overwhelming part of our behavior is learned.
席巻せっけんCommon
noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers overwhelming as conquering or sweeping over an area, market, or scene. Like 風靡 it is a noun-style word describing something sweeping across the world or a field, not a simple adjective meaning overwhelming.

Use 圧倒的 for the adjective sense of overwhelming (superior, decisive), and 風靡 or 席巻 for sweeping over and dominating people, scenes, or markets.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

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