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A2 verb 8 Min. Lesezeit

襲う

osou

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At the A1 level, you should learn 'osou' as a basic verb for 'to attack' in the context of animals or simple stories. Think of it as what a monster or a wild animal does. At this stage, focusing on the simple transitive pattern '[Animal] ga [Person] o osou' is enough. You don't need to worry about complex emotional metaphors yet. Just remember it as a 'scary' verb used in fairy tales or basic warnings about nature. It is a Godan verb, so it conjugates like 'kau' (to buy) or 'iu' (to say), ending in 'u'. The past tense is 'osotta'.

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At the A2 level, you begin to see 'osou' used for natural phenomena like storms or heavy rain. This is a very common use in Japan, a country prone to typhoons and earthquakes. You should also start recognizing the passive form 'osowareru' (to be attacked/hit). For example, 'The town was hit by a storm.' This level introduces the idea that the 'attacker' doesn't have to be a living thing. It can be a force of nature. You might also hear it in simple news clips. It is important to distinguish this from 'semeru' (to attack/play offense), which you might see in sports contexts.

At the B1 level, you should master the metaphorical use of 'osou' for physical and mental sensations. This is where the word becomes very expressive. You will often use the passive voice to describe being 'attacked' by sleepiness (suima), hunger (kūfuku), or fear (kyōfu). Using 'osou' instead of just saying 'I am sleepy' makes your Japanese sound much more native and descriptive. You should also be comfortable with the 'osore ga aru' grammar pattern, as in 'There is a risk that a typhoon will attack (hit) the area.' This level requires understanding the nuance of 'sudden onset.'

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At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'osou' in formal writing and understand its use in literature. This includes using it for abstract societal issues, like a 'recession hitting the country' or 'panic attacking the market.' You will also encounter the kanji in compound words like 'shūgeki' (surprise attack) or 'kyōshū' (assault). At this stage, you should understand the nuance of 'osou' versus 'mimawareru' (to be struck by misfortune), knowing that 'osou' is more vivid and focuses on the power of the force, while 'mimawareru' is more formal and focuses on the victim's situation.

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At the C1 level, you should appreciate the historical and cultural depth of the word, including its relation to 'shūmei' (name succession in traditional arts). You should be able to use 'osou' to describe complex psychological states or philosophical concepts, such as 'existential dread attacking the modern soul.' You will also recognize it in classical-style Japanese or high-level journalism. Your ability to use the word in the causative-passive or other complex grammatical structures to describe nuanced human experiences is expected. You should also know rare idioms or literary expressions involving the verb.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'osou' in all its forms. This includes understanding its use in archaic texts where the 'layering' meaning of the kanji is more prominent. You can distinguish between 'osou' and very specific synonyms like 'raishū' (invasion/attack) or 'kyūshū' (sudden attack) in various professional and academic registers. You can write sophisticated essays using the word to describe the interplay of nature and society, or the suddenness of historical shifts. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, utilizing the word's full range of emotional and structural power.

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Osou means to attack or assault, but it is also used for natural disasters hitting a place.
It is frequently used for sudden feelings like sleepiness, fear, or sadness.
In passive form (osowareru), it describes being a victim of circumstances or emotions.
Do not use it for sports or planned military strategies; use 'semeru' for those instead.

The Japanese verb 襲う (osou) is a powerful and versatile word that primarily translates to 'to attack' or 'to assault.' However, its usage extends far beyond physical violence or military combat. In the Japanese mindset, osou conveys a sense of suddenness, overwhelm, and inevitability. Whether it is a predator lunging at its prey, a natural disaster striking a coastline, or a sudden wave of sleepiness hitting a student during a lecture, this verb captures the moment an external force or internal feeling 'falls upon' a subject. The kanji itself, 襲, contains elements meaning 'dragon' and 'clothing,' historically suggesting a layering or a sudden covering, which perfectly aligns with how the word is used today to describe being covered or overwhelmed by a force.

Physical Assault: This is the most literal use, describing a person or animal attacking another. It implies a surprise or a predatory move. For example, a robber attacking a passerby or a lion attacking a zebra.

夜道で強盗に襲われるという事件が起きた。 (An incident occurred where someone was attacked by a robber on a dark street.)

Natural Disasters: In news reports, you will frequently hear this word used when a typhoon, earthquake, or tsunami hits a region. It emphasizes the destructive power and the sudden onset of the event.

巨大な台風が九州地方を襲った。 (A massive typhoon struck the Kyushu region.)

Psychological States: Abstract concepts like fear, anxiety, loneliness, or even sleepiness are said to 'attack' a person. This highlights the intensity of the emotion, making it feel like an external enemy.

一人でいると、急に寂しさに襲われることがある。 (When I am alone, I am sometimes suddenly overcome by loneliness.)

Furthermore, osou can be used in a historical or formal context to describe inheriting a name or a tradition, known as 襲名 (shūmei). While the verb form osou is less common in this specific meaning in daily conversation, the kanji's connection to 'succession' or 'layering' explains why it is used for both 'attacking' (layering force upon someone) and 'inheriting' (layering oneself into a predecessor's role). Understanding this duality helps learners appreciate the depth of the word. It isn't just about violence; it is about a force—be it a person, a storm, or a name—claiming a space or a person with great impact.

Using 襲う (osou) correctly requires attention to particles and the distinction between active and passive voices. As a transitive verb, the basic pattern is [Attacker] が [Target] を襲う. This is the standard way to describe an active assault. However, in Japanese culture and grammar, the passive form [Target] が [Attacker/Source] に襲われる is arguably more frequent, especially when the 'attacker' is a natural phenomenon or an abstract feeling.

The Active Voice (Transitive): Use this when focusing on the perpetrator or the force that is doing the attacking. It is common in news headlines or storytelling.

ライオンがシマウマを襲った。 (The lion attacked the zebra.)

The Passive Voice (Involuntary): Use this when the subject is the victim or the person experiencing a sensation. This is the standard way to describe being 'hit' by a storm or 'overcome' by an emotion.

激しい睡魔に襲われて、会議中に目を開けていられなかった。 (I was attacked by intense sleepiness and couldn't keep my eyes open during the meeting.)

In terms of conjugation, osou is a U-verb (Godan). Its forms follow the standard pattern: osowanai (negative), osoimasu (polite), osotta (past), and osowareru (passive). One interesting usage is the causative-passive osowaserareru, which might be used in literature to describe a character being forced into a situation where they are attacked by their own thoughts. However, for most learners, mastering the past tense and the passive form will cover 90% of real-world usage. When describing the weather, the past tense osotta is often used to describe the damage after the fact, while osou osore ga aru (there is a fear/risk it will attack) is used in forecasts.

Abstract Targets: You can also attack a position or a record. For example, 'attacking the throne' or 'attacking a world record' (though 'idomu' or 'nerau' are more common for records).

彼は王位を襲おうと計画している。 (He is planning to attack/seize the throne.)

You will encounter 襲う (osou) in several distinct environments in Japan. Each environment colors the word with a slightly different nuance. From the dramatic language of news broadcasts to the introspective prose of Japanese novels, this verb is a staple of the language's descriptive power.

1. News and Media: This is perhaps the most common place to hear 'osou.' News anchors use it to report on crimes (assaults, robberies) and natural disasters. When a 'kanpa' (cold wave) or 'netsupa' (heat wave) hits Japan, the media says the country is being 'attacked' by the temperature extreme.

今週末、強い寒波が日本列島を襲う見込みです。 (A strong cold wave is expected to hit the Japanese archipelago this weekend.)

2. Literature and Manga: In fiction, 'osou' is used to build tension. A character might be 'attacked' by a sudden realization or a deep sense of dread. In action manga, it describes a literal ambush.

突然、言いようのない不安が彼女を襲った。 (Suddenly, an indescribable anxiety attacked her.)

3. Daily Conversation (Casual): In casual speech, 'osou' is frequently used to complain about physical sensations. If you are extremely hungry or sleepy, you use 'osou' to exaggerate how much the feeling is bothering you.

昼飯を食べてないから、すごい空腹感に襲われてる。 (I haven't eaten lunch, so I'm being attacked by a huge sense of hunger.)

You might also hear it in historical documentaries or discussions about traditional arts like Kabuki. The term 襲名 (shūmei) refers to a formal ceremony where an actor 'attacks' (takes over) the stage name of their father or mentor. This is a highly prestigious event, and while the verb osou isn't used as a standalone word here, the concept of 'taking over' or 'succeeding' is rooted in the same kanji. In modern urban legends or ghost stories, 'osou' is used to describe spirits or monsters attacking humans, adding a layer of supernatural dread to the word's profile.

While 襲う (osou) is a common word, learners often confuse it with other verbs related to fighting or attacking. Understanding the specific 'flavor' of osou is key to avoiding these pitfalls. The most common error is using osou in contexts where the attack is planned, strategic, or competitive, rather than sudden or overwhelming.

Mistake 1: Osou vs. Semeru (攻める): Learners often use 'osou' for sports or military strategy. However, 'osou' implies a surprise or a predatory strike. 'Semeru' (攻める) is for a planned offensive or 'playing offense' in a game. You 'semeru' the goal in soccer, but a bear 'osou' a hiker.

❌ サッカーで相手のゴールを襲う。 (Incorrect: Attacking the goal in soccer with 'osou')
✅ サッカーで相手のゴールを攻める。 (Correct: Using 'semeru')

Mistake 2: Osou vs. Tataku (叩く): 'Tataku' means to hit or strike. While an attack involves hitting, 'osou' describes the entire act of the assault or the sudden onset. Don't use 'osou' if you just mean a single physical strike or punch.

背中を叩かれた。 (I was tapped/hit on the back - much more natural than 'osou' for a simple touch.)

Mistake 3: Particle Confusion: When using the passive 'osowareru,' beginners often use the 'o' particle for the cause of the attack. Remember: In passive sentences, the thing that does the attacking is marked with 'ni' (に).

❌ 恐怖を襲われた。 (Incorrect: Used 'o' with passive)
✅ 恐怖に襲われた。 (Correct: Used 'ni' with passive)

Another subtle mistake is using osou for illness. While you can be 'attacked' by a sudden pain (痛み), you usually 'catch' a cold (kaze o hiku) or 'contract' a disease (byōki ni kakaru). Using osou for a common cold sounds overly dramatic, as if the cold virus were a ninja jumping out of a tree. Reserve osou for the symptoms that hit you suddenly, like a migraine or a sharp stomach ache, rather than the illness itself.

Japanese has several words that overlap with 襲う (osou). Choosing the right one depends on the formality of the situation and the nature of the 'attack.' Here is a comparison of common alternatives.

攻める (Semeru): Used for strategic attacks, sports offense, or criticizing someone. It implies a goal-oriented action. Unlike 'osou,' it doesn't require the element of surprise.

襲撃する (Shūgeki suru): A more formal, noun-based verb (Suru-verb). It specifically means a surprise attack or a raid. It is used in military or criminal contexts and sounds much heavier than the plain 'osou.'

テロリストが政府の建物を襲撃した。 (Terrorists raided/attacked a government building.)

見舞われる (Mimawareru): This is a formal way to say 'to be hit by' or 'to suffer from' a disaster or misfortune. It is the standard polite term in news reporting for natural disasters. While 'osou' is descriptive, 'mimawareru' focuses on the misfortune of the victims.

その町は大火事に見舞われた。 (The town was struck by a great fire.)

挑む (Idomu): Means 'to challenge' or 'to take on.' If you are 'attacking' a difficult problem or a world record, 'idomu' is the correct choice because it implies a positive effort against a challenge.

When choosing between these, ask yourself: Is this a sudden, physical pounce? Use osou. Is this a planned military move? Use shūgeki. Is this a soccer game? Use semeru. Is this a polite report about a disaster? Use mimawareru. By distinguishing these nuances, your Japanese will sound much more natural and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji 襲 contains the 'dragon' radical because dragons were associated with powerful, overwhelming forces. The 'clothing' part suggests a mantle being passed down, explaining why the word means both 'attack' and 'inherit.'

Aussprachehilfe

UK o̞.so̞.ɯᵝ

US oʊ.soʊ.u

The pitch accent is typically low-high-low (Heiban or Odaka depending on the dialect, but standard Tokyo is often Heiban: o-SOU).

Reimt sich auf

yosou (to dress/expect) kyousou (competition) housou (broadcast)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'u' too strongly like 'o-so-WOO'. It should be a subtle, unrounded vowel.
Mixing up the pitch accent with 'osoi' (slow).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The kanji is complex but the verb is very common in news and literature.

Schreiben 4/5

The kanji 襲 is difficult to write by hand due to the number of strokes (22).

Sprechen 2/5

Easy to conjugate as a Godan verb, and the 'osou' sound is simple.

Hören 2/5

Distinct sound, easily recognizable in weather reports.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

攻める (semeru) 戦う (tatakau) 守る (mamoru) 風 (kaze) 眠い (nemui)

Als Nächstes lernen

襲撃 (shūgeki) 不意 (fui) 睡魔 (suima) 見舞われる (mimawareru) 踏襲 (tōshū)

Fortgeschritten

襲名 (shūmei) 世襲 (seshū) 荒波 (aranami) 深淵 (shin'en) 不条理 (fujōri)

Wichtige Grammatik

Passive Voice (Rare-ru)

熊に襲われる (To be attacked by a bear)

Te-iru for ongoing state

不況に襲われている (Being hit by a recession)

Osore ga aru (There is a fear/risk)

台風が襲う恐れがある (There is a risk a typhoon will hit)

Totsuzen (Suddenly) + Osou

突然の悲しみに襲われた (Suddenly overcome by sadness)

Potential form (Osoweru)

いつ襲われるかわからない (Don't know when I might be attacked)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

くまがむらをおそいました。

The bear attacked the village.

Simple past tense of 'osou' (osowaimashita).

かいじゅうがまちをおそう。

The monster attacks the city.

Dictionary form used for habitual action or narration.

おおかみが羊をおそった。

The wolf attacked the sheep.

Past tense 'osotta' (Godan verb conjugation).

どろぼうが人をおそった。

A thief attacked a person.

The particle 'o' marks the victim.

ライオンはどうぶつをおそいます。

Lions attack animals.

Polite present tense 'osoimasu'.

だれかが私をおそった！

Someone attacked me!

'Dareka' means someone.

へびがかえるをおそった。

A snake attacked a frog.

Standard subject-object-verb structure.

おそわないでください！

Please don't attack me!

Negative request form 'nai de kudasai'.

昨夜、強い風が町を襲った。

Last night, a strong wind hit the town.

'Osou' used for natural phenomena.

大雨がこの島を襲いました。

Heavy rain hit this island.

Polite past tense for weather reporting.

台風が来るので、家が襲われるかもしれない。

A typhoon is coming, so the house might be hit.

Passive form 'osowareru' + 'kamoshirenai' (might).

冬になると、寒波が日本を襲う。

When winter comes, a cold wave hits Japan.

'Kanpa' (cold wave) is a common subject for 'osou'.

津波が海岸を襲ったニュースを見た。

I saw news that a tsunami hit the coast.

'Tsunami' is often paired with 'osou'.

突然の嵐が私たちを襲った。

A sudden storm hit us.

'Totsuzen no' (sudden) emphasizes the 'osou' nuance.

森で熊に襲われないように気をつけて。

Be careful not to be attacked by a bear in the forest.

Passive 'osowarenai' (not be attacked).

地震が都市を襲う可能性がある。

There is a possibility that an earthquake will hit the city.

'Kanōsei ga aru' (there is a possibility).

会議中、猛烈な眠気に襲われた。

During the meeting, I was overcome by intense sleepiness.

Passive voice used for internal sensations.

夜、一人でいると寂しさに襲われる。

When I'm alone at night, I'm overcome by loneliness.

'Ni' particle indicates the source of the feeling.

試験の前日は、いつも不安に襲われます。

The day before an exam, I am always seized by anxiety.

'An'an' (anxiety) is a common abstract subject.

走った後、激しい喉の渇きに襲われた。

After running, I was hit by intense thirst.

'Kawake' (thirst) used with the passive.

彼は突然の腹痛に襲われて倒れた。

He was suddenly attacked by stomach pain and collapsed.

'Fukutsū' (stomach pain) as the 'attacker'.

その村は深刻な食料不足に襲われている。

The village is being struck by a serious food shortage.

'Te-iru' form indicates a continuing state.

悲しみに襲われて、何も手につかなかった。

Overcome by sadness, I couldn't get anything done.

'Nani mo te ni tsukanai' is a common idiom for being overwhelmed.

山道で霧に襲われ、道に迷った。

We were hit by fog on the mountain path and got lost.

'Kiri' (fog) can also 'attack' in Japanese.

不況がその国の経済を襲った。

A recession hit that country's economy.

'Fukyō' (recession) used as a transitive subject.

パニックに襲われた群衆が逃げ惑った。

The crowd, seized by panic, ran about in confusion.

Noun-modifying clause 'panikku ni osowareta'.

古い伝統を襲う若者が減っている。

The number of young people inheriting old traditions is decreasing.

Literary/formal use of 'osou' meaning to succeed/inherit.

その地域は数年ごとに大洪水に襲われる。

That area is hit by major floods every few years.

'Su-nen goto ni' (every few years).

正体不明の病気が村を襲った。

A disease of unknown origin struck the village.

'Shōtai fumei' (unknown identity/origin).

彼は過去の記憶に襲われ、苦しんでいた。

He was being attacked by memories of the past and was suffering.

Metaphorical use for trauma.

強烈なプレッシャーが選手たちを襲った。

Intense pressure attacked the players.

'Puresshā' (pressure) as a transitive subject.

一瞬の油断が、彼を最悪の事態へと襲わせた。

A moment's negligence led him to be attacked by the worst-case scenario.

Causative form 'osowaseta'.

絶望感に襲われ、彼は自暴自棄になった。

Overcome by a sense of despair, he became desperate.

'Zetsubōkan' (sense of despair).

その会社は次々と不運に襲われ、倒産した。

The company was hit by one misfortune after another and went bankrupt.

'Tsugitsugi to' (one after another).

都会の喧騒の中にいると、虚脱感に襲われることがある。

When in the hustle and bustle of the city, one can be overcome by a sense of lethargy.

'Kyodatsukan' (lethargy/emptiness).

名門一家の名跡を襲うのは重責だ。

It is a heavy responsibility to succeed to the prestigious family name.

Specific use for family name succession (袭名).

冷酷な現実に襲われ、彼の夢は打ち砕かれた。

Attacked by cold reality, his dreams were shattered.

'Reikoku na genjitsu' (cold reality).

静寂を襲う一発の銃声が響いた。

A single gunshot rang out, attacking the silence.

Poetic use where silence is the 'victim'.

死の恐怖に襲われながらも、彼は任務を遂行した。

While being attacked by the fear of death, he carried out his mission.

'Nagara mo' (while/despite).

市場は予期せぬ金融危機に襲われた。

The market was hit by an unexpected financial crisis.

'Yoki senu' (unexpected).

白日の下に晒された真実が、彼らの平穏を襲った。

The truth, brought to light, attacked their peace.

Highly literary and metaphorical usage.

宿命的な悲劇がその一族を襲い、繁栄は終わりを告げた。

A fateful tragedy struck the clan, and their prosperity came to an end.

'Shukumeteki' (fateful/destined).

彼は先代の遺志を襲い、改革を断行した。

He succeeded to the late predecessor's will and carried out the reforms.

Formal usage meaning to take up a mantle or will.

深淵から湧き上がるような孤独感に襲われる。

To be attacked by a sense of loneliness that seems to well up from the abyss.

'Shin'en' (abyss) adds a philosophical depth.

突如として襲いかかる不条理な暴力に対し、我々は無力だった。

We were helpless against the absurd violence that suddenly attacked us.

'Osoikakaru' (to spring upon/attack).

時代の荒波が、古き良き文化を無慈悲に襲う。

The rough waves of the era mercilessly attack the good old culture.

Metaphorical 'rough waves of the era'.

彼は自らの罪悪感に襲われ、精神の均衡を失った。

Attacked by his own guilt, he lost his mental balance.

Self-inflicted 'attack' of guilt.

漆黒の闇が地表を襲い、一筋の光も届かなくなった。

Jet-black darkness attacked the earth's surface, and not a single ray of light could reach it.

Descriptive, almost apocalyptic usage.

Häufige Kollokationen

眠気に襲われる

台風が襲う

不安に襲われる

背後から襲う

寒波が襲う

恐怖に襲われる

村を襲う

孤独感に襲われる

波が襲う

悲劇が襲う

Häufige Phrasen

睡魔に襲われる

— To be overcome by the 'sleep demon' (intense sleepiness).

会議中、激しい睡魔に襲われた。

不意を襲う

— To attack someone when they are off guard.

敵の不意を襲って勝利した。

闇に襲われる

— To be engulfed by darkness (literal or metaphorical).

森の中で深い闇に襲われた。

痛みに襲われる

— To be hit by a sudden sharp pain.

夜中に激しい歯の痛みに襲われた。

パニックに襲われる

— To be seized by panic.

地震の際、多くの人がパニックに襲われた。

不況に襲われる

— To be hit by an economic recession.

世界中が不況に襲われている。

嵐に襲われる

— To be caught in or hit by a storm.

登山中に嵐に襲われた。

絶望に襲われる

— To be overcome by despair.

計画が失敗し、絶望に襲われた。

静寂を襲う

— To disturb or 'attack' the silence.

叫び声が夜の静寂を襲った。

名跡を襲う

— To succeed to a professional name (Shūmei).

彼は父の名跡を襲うことに決めた。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

襲う vs 攻める (semeru)

'Semeru' is for planned offense or sports; 'osou' is for sudden/predatory attacks.

襲う vs 遅い (osoi)

'Osoi' means slow or late. They sound similar but have different kanji and meanings.

襲う vs 教える (oshieru)

'Oshieru' means to teach. Beginner learners sometimes confuse the sounds.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"睡魔に襲われる"

— Used to describe an irresistible urge to sleep, often at an inappropriate time.

授業中、睡魔に襲われて困った。

Common

"寂しさに襲われる"

— Describes a sudden, overwhelming feeling of being alone.

一人暮らしを始めてから、時々寂しさに襲われる。

Common

"不意を襲う"

— To take advantage of someone's lack of preparedness.

彼は相手の不意を襲うのが得意だ。

Strategic

"不安の波に襲われる"

— To feel waves of anxiety crashing over oneself.

将来のことを考えると、不安の波に襲われる。

Literary

"恐怖のどん底に襲われる"

— To be cast into the depths of fear (often used in storytelling).

彼は恐怖のどん底に襲われたような顔をしていた。

Dramatic

"悲しみの淵で襲われる"

— To be struck by grief while already in a state of sadness.

悲しみの淵にいる彼を、さらなる不幸が襲った。

Literary

"睡魔の襲来"

— The 'invasion' of sleepiness (more dramatic than just 'osou').

午後二時は睡魔の襲来との戦いだ。

Humorous

"寒波の襲来"

— The arrival of a cold wave.

明日から寒波の襲来が予想されます。

News

"不条理に襲われる"

— To be struck by the absurdity of life or a situation.

彼は世の中の不条理に襲われ、絶望した。

Philosophical

"魔が襲う"

— To be tempted by a 'demon' or a bad impulse (similar to 'ma ga sasu').

つい魔が襲って、嘘をついてしまった。

Old-fashioned

Leicht verwechselbar

襲う vs 攻める (semeru)

Both translate to 'attack.'

Semeru is proactive and strategic (sports, war). Osou is reactive, sudden, or predatory (disasters, surprise attacks, feelings).

相手の弱点を攻める (Attack the opponent's weakness).

襲う vs 襲撃 (shūgeki)

Both mean 'attack.'

Shūgeki is a noun/suru-verb and is much more formal and specific to a 'raid' or 'organized surprise attack.'

銀行を襲撃する (To raid a bank).

襲う vs 見舞われる (mimawareru)

Used for disasters hitting a place.

Mimawareru is more polite and focuses on the victim's misfortune. Osou is more descriptive of the force itself.

災害に見舞われる (To be struck by a disaster).

襲う vs 叩く (tataku)

Involves physical contact.

Tataku is just the act of hitting/striking. Osou is the entire act of assaulting or overwhelming.

肩を叩く (Tap someone on the shoulder).

襲う vs 挑む (idomu)

Used for 'attacking' a challenge.

Idomu is positive/proactive (challenging a record). Osou is usually negative or overwhelming.

記録に挑む (To challenge a record).

Satzmuster

[Animal] が [Person] を襲う

ライオンが人を襲う。

[Weather] が [Place] を襲う

台風が沖縄を襲った。

[Feeling] に襲われる

不安に襲われる。

[Sensation] に襲われる

眠気に襲われる。

[Abstract Concept] が [Economy/Society] を襲う

不況が世界を襲った。

[Victim] が [Attacker] に襲われる

彼女は暴漢に襲われた。

[Place] は [Disaster] に襲われている

その村は飢饉に襲われている。

[Predecessor's Name] を襲う

父の名跡を襲う。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

襲撃 (shūgeki - attack)

世襲 (seshū - heredity/succession)

襲名 (shūmei - name succession)

Verben

襲いかかる (osoikakaru - to pounce)

襲いかかる (variant spelling)

Verwandt

襲来 (shūrai - invasion)

逆襲 (gyakushū - counterattack)

強襲 (kyōshū - assault)

空襲 (kūshū - air raid)

踏襲 (tōshū - following a precedent)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

High (especially in news and for physical/mental states)

Häufige Fehler

Using 'osou' for soccer offense. → サッカーで攻める (Sakkaa de semeru)
'Osou' implies a violent or predatory assault. For sports, 'semeru' (to play offense) is the correct term.
Using 'o' particle with passive 'osowareru'. → 不安に襲われる (An'an ni osowareru)
In Japanese passive sentences, the agent (the thing doing the attacking) is marked with 'ni', not 'o'.
Confusing 'osou' with 'osoi' (slow). → 彼は襲われた (He was attacked) vs 彼は遅い (He is slow)
They sound similar, but 'osou' is a verb and 'osoi' is an adjective. Context usually makes it clear.
Using 'osou' for catching a common cold. → 風邪を引く (Kaze o hiku)
'Osou' is too dramatic for a common cold. Use it for sudden, intense symptoms instead.
Writing the 'dragon' part of the kanji incorrectly. → 襲 (Check the 龍 part carefully)
The kanji 襲 is complex. Many learners forget the small strokes in the dragon radical.

Tipps

Passive Preference

When talking about feelings or nature, use the passive 'osowareru' to sound more like a native speaker. It emphasizes that you were the victim of the sensation.

Weather Watch

Pay attention to weather reports. 'Osou' is the standard verb for typhoons, cold waves (kanpa), and heat waves (netsupa).

Kanji Breakdown

The kanji 襲 has 22 strokes. Focus on the 'dragon' part first, then the 'clothes' part. It's a great kanji to show off your writing skills!

Suddenness

Always remember the 'sudden' aspect. If an attack is slow or expected, 'osou' might not be the best choice.

Traditional Arts

If you watch Kabuki, you'll see 'Shūmei' (襲名). This is the same kanji and refers to taking over a great name.

Medical Use

Use 'osou' for sudden symptoms like 'gekitū' (intense pain) or 'memai' (dizziness).

Dramatic Effect

In creative writing, use 'osou' to describe silence or darkness to create a more atmospheric and tense feeling.

Pitch Accent

Practice the Heiban pitch accent (flat) so you don't confuse it with 'osoi' (slow), which has a different pitch pattern.

Osou vs Semeru

Never use 'osou' for soccer or video games. Use 'semeru' for those competitive contexts.

Tsunami Context

'Tsunami ga osou' is a very common and grave phrase. It's essential vocabulary for disaster preparedness in Japan.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a DRAGON (龍) wearing CLOTHES (衣) who suddenly jumps out of a closet to ATTACK you. The dragon is 'osou-ing' you!

Visuelle Assoziation

Picture a giant wave (tsunami) or a storm cloud shaped like a dragon 'covering' a city. This links the 'weather' meaning with the kanji.

Word Web

Attack Typhoon Sleepiness Anxiety Inherit Name Pounce

Herausforderung

Try to use 'osou' in three different ways today: once for a feeling (sleepy/hungry), once for the weather, and once for a hypothetical animal attack.

Wortherkunft

The verb 'osou' comes from the Old Japanese root meaning 'to cover' or 'to layer.' The kanji '襲' consists of '龍' (dragon) and '衣' (clothes/garment).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Originally, it referred to putting on layers of clothing or succeeding to a position (layering oneself onto a predecessor). This evolved into the sense of 'covering' someone with force or 'falling upon' them.

Japonic

Kultureller Kontext

When using 'osou' for crimes, be mindful of the gravity of the word. It is a serious term for assault.

In English, we 'hit' the hay or are 'struck' by an idea. 'Osou' is similar but feels more like a predatory pounce than a simple strike.

The 'Shūmei' ceremony of Ichikawa Danjūrō. News reports of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake often used 'osou' to describe the tsunami. Godzilla movies frequently use 'osou' for the monster attacking Tokyo.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Weather Forecasts

台風が襲う
寒波が襲う
津波が襲う
記録的な豪雨が襲う

Health and Feelings

眠気に襲われる
痛みに襲われる
吐き気に襲われる
寒気に襲われる

Psychology

不安に襲われる
孤独感に襲われる
絶望感に襲われる
パニックに襲われる

Crime and Safety

背後から襲う
暴漢に襲われる
不意を襲う
金品を狙って襲う

Traditional Arts

名跡を襲う
跡目を襲う
先代の志を襲う
襲名披露

Gesprächseinstiege

"最近、急な雨に襲われたことはありますか？ (Have you been hit by sudden rain recently?)"

"仕事中、どうやって眠気に襲われるのを防いでいますか？ (How do you prevent being attacked by sleepiness while working?)"

"夜、一人でいるときに寂しさに襲われることはありますか？ (Do you ever feel overcome by loneliness when you are alone at night?)"

"もし野生の動物に襲われたら、どうしますか？ (What would you do if you were attacked by a wild animal?)"

"日本の台風が町を襲うニュースを見たことがありますか？ (Have you seen news about Japanese typhoons hitting towns?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日、どんな感情に襲われましたか？ (What emotions 'attacked' you today?)

もし自分が歴史的な名前を襲うことになったら、どう感じますか？ (How would you feel if you had to succeed to a historical name?)

過去に自然災害に襲われた経験はありますか？ (Do you have experience being hit by a natural disaster?)

「不安に襲われる」とき、あなたはどうやって対処しますか？ (When you are 'attacked by anxiety,' how do you cope?)

最近のニュースで「襲う」という言葉をどこで聞きましたか？ (Where did you hear the word 'osou' in recent news?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Generally, no. In sports like soccer or basketball, you should use 'semeru' (攻める) to mean 'to attack' or 'to play offense.' 'Osou' would imply you are literally assaulting the other players like a wild animal.

Almost always. It implies a force overwhelming a target. The only 'positive' or neutral use is 'shūmei' (襲名), where one succeeds to a famous name, but even then, it implies the weight of the name 'covering' the person.

'Osoikakaru' is more vivid and physical. It literally means to 'pounce' or 'spring upon.' You use it for a dog jumping on someone. 'Osou' is broader and can be used for abstract things like 'recession' or 'anxiety.'

It's a complex kanji (襲). The top part is '龍' (dragon) and the bottom part is '衣' (clothes). A dragon in clothes is a good way to remember it!

In Japanese, sleepiness is often personified as 'suima' (the sleep demon). When you are very sleepy, it feels like this 'demon' is attacking you, hence 'suima ni osowareru.'

It's rare. Usually, you use 'hiku' (catch) or 'kakaru' (contract). You might use 'osou' for a sudden, sharp symptom like 'a sudden headache attacked me,' but not for the illness itself.

Use 'ni' (に) for the thing that is doing the attacking. For example: 'Kuma NI osowareta' (I was attacked BY a bear).

Yes, it is extremely common in news reports, weather forecasts, and literature. You will hear it every time there is a typhoon or a cold wave.

The past tense is 'osotta' (襲った). It is a Godan verb ending in 'u,' so the 'u' changes to 'tta.'

Yes, you can say 'shinzō hossa ni osowareru' (to be attacked by a heart attack), though 'okosu' (to have/trigger) is also common.

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