攻击
攻击 in 30 Seconds
- A verb meaning 'to attack' or 'to assault'.
- Used for physical, verbal, military, and cyber attacks.
- Common in news, sports, and technology contexts.
- Essential for understanding conflict and criticism.
The Chinese word 攻击 (gōngjí) is a verb that means 'to attack' or 'to assault'. It's a versatile word used in various contexts, from physical confrontations and military actions to metaphorical attacks like criticism or cyber threats. Understanding 攻击 is crucial for comprehending news reports, discussions about conflicts, and even everyday conversations where someone might express feeling attacked or criticized.
- Physical Attack
- This is the most direct meaning. It refers to an act of physical aggression, like a person attacking another person, or an army attacking a city. For example, in a news report about a crime, you might hear about an 'unprovoked attack' (无端攻击 - wú duān gōngjí).
- Military Action
- In a military context, 攻击 refers to launching an offensive, bombarding a target, or initiating combat. Phrases like 'air attack' (空袭 - kōngjí) or 'enemy attack' (敌人的攻击 - dírén de gōngjí) are common.
- Metaphorical Attack (Criticism)
- Beyond physical harm, 攻击 can also describe verbal or emotional attacks. This includes harsh criticism, slander, or public condemnation. If someone is being unfairly blamed or attacked with words, you might say they are 'under attack' (受到攻击 - shòudào gōngjí).
- Cyber Warfare
- In the digital age, 攻击 is frequently used for cyberattacks, such as hacking, phishing, or denial-of-service attacks. 'Cyberattack' is often translated as 网络攻击 (wǎngluò gōngjí).
- Sports and Games
- In sports, 攻击 can refer to an offensive move or strategy. For example, a team might be said to be 'attacking' (积极攻击 - jījí gōngjí) when they are making a strong push to score.
敌人正在攻击我们的边境。 (Dírén zhèngzài gōngjí wǒmen de biānjìng.)
他的言论攻击了我的尊严。 (Tā de yánlùn gōngjí le wǒ de zūnyán.)
Using 攻击 (gōngjí) correctly in sentences involves understanding its various applications and grammatical structures. As a verb, it typically precedes the object it affects. Let's explore different scenarios and sentence patterns.
- Subject + 攻击 + Object
- This is the most common structure, where the subject performs the action of attacking the object. The object can be a person, place, thing, or even an idea.
- Subject + 受到 + 攻击
- This passive construction means 'to be attacked' or 'to receive an attack'. It's used when the subject is the recipient of the attack.
- Subject + 对 + Object + 进行 + 攻击
- This is a more formal way to say 'to launch an attack on' or 'to carry out an attack against'. '进行 (jìnxíng)' means 'to carry out' or 'to proceed'.
- Subject + 攻击 + Object + 的 + Noun
- This pattern turns the verb into a modifier for a noun, describing the nature of the noun. For example, 'an attack strategy' (攻击策略 - gōngjí cèlüè).
士兵们攻击了敌人的阵地。
小公司受到大公司的攻击。
政府对恐怖分子进行了军事攻击。
我们需要制定一个有效的攻击计划。
The word 攻击 (gōngjí), meaning 'to attack', is a common and widely used term in Chinese, appearing in a variety of real-world situations. Being familiar with these contexts will significantly enhance your comprehension and ability to use the word naturally.
- News and Current Events
- You'll frequently encounter 攻击 in news reports discussing conflicts, wars, crime, and political disputes. Headlines might read: '国家攻击了另一个国家' (A country attacked another country) or '警方成功阻止了歹徒的攻击' (Police successfully thwarted the attacker's assault).
- Military and Defense Discussions
- Discussions about military strategy, operations, and defense often involve 攻击. Terms like '空袭' (kōngjí - air strike) and '地面攻击' (dìmiàn gōngjí - ground attack) are standard.
- Sports Commentary
- In sports, especially team sports like soccer or basketball, commentators will use 攻击 to describe offensive plays. For example, '球队正在攻击对方的球门' (The team is attacking the opponent's goal).
- Technology and Cybersecurity
- When discussing cyber threats, 攻击 is ubiquitous. You'll hear about '网络攻击' (wǎngluò gōngjí - cyberattack), '黑客攻击' (hēikè gōngjí - hacker attack), or '病毒攻击' (bìngdú gōngjí - virus attack).
- Social Media and Online Discussions
- Online, 攻击 is often used to describe verbal assaults, harsh criticism, or trolling. Someone might say, '我受到了很多攻击' (I received a lot of attacks/criticism).
- Personal Conversations
- In everyday conversations, people might use 攻击 to describe feeling threatened or criticized. For instance, '他的话像攻击一样' (His words were like an attack).
电视上说,敌人对城市发动了攻击。
他是一名出色的前锋,经常攻击对手的防线。
When learning to use 攻击 (gōngjí), English speakers might make a few common mistakes. Understanding these pitfalls can help you avoid them and use the word more accurately.
- Confusing Physical and Metaphorical Use
- One common error is to assume 攻击 always refers to a physical act of violence. While it certainly can, it's also widely used metaphorically for criticism, verbal attacks, or even cyber threats. Forgetting this broader application can lead to misunderstandings. For example, saying '他攻击我的想法' (He attacked my idea) is correct, but some learners might think it implies a physical threat.
- Incorrect Grammatical Structures
- Learners might struggle with the grammatical placement of 攻击. For instance, incorrectly placing it after the object, like '我攻击了敌人' (I attacked the enemy) is correct, but saying '敌人我攻击了' would be grammatically incorrect. Also, using it in passive sentences without the correct auxiliary verbs can be an issue. For example, forgetting to use 受到 (shòudào) when meaning 'to be attacked' can lead to sentences like '我攻击了' when you mean 'I was attacked'.
- Overuse or Underuse
- Some learners might overuse 攻击 in situations where a milder word would be more appropriate, making their language sound overly aggressive. Conversely, others might underuse it, failing to convey the intensity of an attack when necessary. For instance, using 攻击 for a mild disagreement might be too strong.
- Confusing with Similar Words
- While 攻击 is the most common word for 'attack', there are other related terms that might be confused. For example, '进攻 (jìngōng)' means 'to attack' or 'to advance' specifically in a military or sports context, and is not as general as 攻击. Using 攻击 when 进攻 is more precise can be a mistake.
- Misinterpreting Nuance in Metaphorical Use
- In metaphorical contexts, the intensity of 攻击 can vary. A mistake might be to equate all forms of 'attack' with severe harm. For instance, '他的批评攻击了我' (His criticism attacked me) is a common usage, but it doesn't necessarily imply deep emotional damage, just strong criticism.
Incorrect: 我攻击了批评。
Incorrect: 敌人攻击了。
While 攻击 (gōngjí) is a primary word for 'attack', several other words and phrases can be used depending on the specific nuance, context, and formality. Understanding these alternatives will enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise expression.
- 进攻 (jìngōng)
- Meaning: To attack, to advance, to launch an offensive. Usage: Primarily used in military contexts, sports (especially team sports), and sometimes in games. It emphasizes the act of moving forward and initiating an assault.
- 攻打 (gōngdǎ)
- Meaning: To attack, to assault, to strike. Usage: Similar to 攻击 but often implies a more direct, physical, and forceful assault, especially in military or combat scenarios. It can feel slightly more aggressive than 攻击.
- 袭击 (xíjí)
- Meaning: To attack, to raid, to surprise attack. Usage: Often implies a sudden, unexpected, or surprise attack. It can be physical or even a surprise verbal assault. Think of a raid or an ambush.
- 侵犯 (qīnfàn)
- Meaning: To infringe upon, to violate, to invade. Usage: Used for attacks on rights, borders, privacy, or territory. It carries a strong sense of violation and trespass, rather than a direct physical assault.
- 批评 (pīpíng) / 指责 (zhǐzé)
- Meaning: Criticism / To accuse, to blame. Usage: These are alternatives when 攻击 is used metaphorically for verbal attacks or criticism. While 攻击 can be used for strong criticism, 批评 or 指责 are more direct terms for expressing disapproval or blame.
军队进攻了敌人的防线。
敌人袭击了我们的营地。
他的言论侵犯了我的隐私。
How Formal Is It?
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Fun Fact
The character 攻 (gōng) itself has components that suggest its meaning. The left part, 訁 (yán), is a radical related to speech or words, and the right part, 工 (gōng), signifies work or craft. This combination might suggest 'working with words' or 'crafting arguments', which aligns with the metaphorical use of 'attack' in criticism. However, the primary meaning remains physical.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the tones: Failing to use the high, rising tones for both syllables can significantly alter the meaning.
- Confusing the 'g' and 'j' sounds: The 'g' is unaspirated, and the 'j' is an affricate, different from English 'g' or 'j' in some contexts.
- Adding an English 'r' sound to the 'j': The 'j' sound is pure and does not have an 'r' quality.
- Pronouncing it as a single word without distinct tones.
- Incorrectly assigning stress as in English words.
Difficulty Rating
At CEFR A1/A2, recognizing 攻击 in simple sentences describing physical actions is key. As learners progress to B1/B2, understanding its metaphorical uses in news and discussions becomes more important, requiring contextual comprehension.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using 受到 (shòudào) for passive voice when being attacked.
他受到了攻击。(Tā shòudào le gōngjí.) - He was attacked.
Using 对 (duì) + Object + 进行 (jìnxíng) for a more formal way of launching an attack.
我们对敌军进行了攻击。(Wǒmen duì díjūn jìnxíng le gōngjí.) - We launched an attack against the enemy troops.
Using 攻击 as a noun, often modified by 的 (de).
这次的攻击非常成功。(Zhè cì de gōngjí fēicháng chénggōng.) - This attack was very successful.
Using adverbs to describe the manner of attack.
他们猛烈攻击。(Tāmen měngliè gōngjí.) - They attacked fiercely.
Using verb complements to describe the result of an attack.
他攻击破了门。(Tā gōngjí pò le mén.) - He attacked and broke down the door.
Examples by Level
狗攻击了人。
Dog attack person.
Simple Subject-Verb-Object structure.
他攻击了我的玩具。
He attack my toy.
Verb followed by direct object.
敌人攻击了。
Enemy attack.
Implies a general action of attack.
不要攻击我!
Don't attack me!
Imperative form with '不要' (don't).
他们攻击了那个门。
They attack that door.
Verb followed by a specific object.
鸟儿攻击了虫子。
Bird attack insect.
Simple subject-verb-object.
他攻击了我的食物。
He attack my food.
Verb followed by direct object.
请别攻击!
Please don't attack!
Polite request to cease attack.
电脑病毒攻击了我的电脑。
Computer virus attacked my computer.
Metaphorical use in a technological context.
警察阻止了攻击。
Police stopped the attack.
Using 攻击 as a noun phrase in a passive context.
他攻击了我的观点。
He attacked my viewpoint.
Metaphorical use for verbal disagreement.
他们的攻击很猛烈。
Their attack was fierce.
Using 攻击 as a noun modified by an adjective.
敌人攻击了这座城市。
The enemy attacked this city.
Clear subject-verb-object in a military context.
我受到了攻击。
I received an attack.
Passive voice using 受到 (shòudào).
这是一种网络攻击。
This is a type of cyberattack.
Using 攻击 as part of a compound noun.
球队正在攻击。
The team is attacking.
Used in sports to mean playing offensively.
这次攻击的目标是金融系统。
The target of this attack is the financial system.
Using 攻击 as a noun with a possessive modifier.
他的言论攻击了社会公平。
His remarks attacked social justice.
Metaphorical attack on abstract concepts.
我们需要制定反攻击策略。
We need to develop a counter-attack strategy.
Using 攻击 in a compound word (反攻击 - counter-attack).
新闻报道了这次突袭攻击。
The news reported this surprise attack.
Describing the nature of the attack (突袭 - surprise).
他受到了来自媒体的攻击。
He received attacks from the media.
Passive voice with a specific source of attack.
公司正在攻击竞争对手的市场份额。
The company is attacking the competitor's market share.
Metaphorical attack in a business context.
这次的网络攻击非常复杂。
This cyberattack was very complex.
Using 攻击 as part of a compound noun for cybersecurity.
我们需要对这种行为进行攻击。
We need to launch an attack against this behavior.
Formal structure '对...进行攻击' (launch an attack against...).
这次的攻击意图非常明显,旨在破坏国家稳定。
The intent of this attack is very clear, aiming to destabilize the nation.
Analyzing the intent and consequences of an attack.
政治家们常常攻击对方的政策,以争取选民支持。
Politicians often attack each other's policies to win voter support.
Political discourse and the use of 'attack' as a strategy.
网络安全专家警告说,新的攻击手段层出不穷。
Cybersecurity experts warn that new attack methods are emerging constantly.
Discussing the evolution of attack methods in cybersecurity.
他的作品攻击了社会的虚伪和不公。
His work attacks the hypocrisy and injustice of society.
Artistic or critical 'attack' on societal issues.
该组织受到了来自多个方面的攻击和指责。
The organization has been subjected to attacks and accusations from multiple sides.
Complex passive construction with multiple sources of attack.
经济学家们正在分析这次金融攻击的潜在影响。
Economists are analyzing the potential impact of this financial attack.
Specific type of attack (financial) and its analysis.
我们在防御系统中部署了先进的攻击检测技术。
We have deployed advanced attack detection technology in our defense system.
Technical use in defense systems.
她以犀利的言辞攻击了陈旧的观念。
She attacked outdated ideas with sharp rhetoric.
Describing the manner of attack (sharp rhetoric).
这次的攻击不仅仅是技术层面的,更是一种意识形态的较量。
This attack is not merely technical, but rather a contest of ideologies.
Analyzing deeper meanings and ideological conflicts behind an attack.
在信息战时代,认知攻击成为一种不容忽视的威胁。
In the era of information warfare, cognitive attacks have become a threat that cannot be ignored.
Sophisticated concept of 'cognitive attack' in information warfare.
历史学家们研究了古代文明之间的战略性攻击模式。
Historians studied the strategic attack patterns between ancient civilizations.
Historical and strategic analysis of attacks.
艺术家的作品往往是对社会现状的一种攻击性批判。
Artists' works are often an aggressive critique of the current social situation.
Artistic critique as a form of 'attack'.
面对铺天盖地的负面舆论攻击,他选择保持沉默。
Facing overwhelming negative public opinion attacks, he chose to remain silent.
Figurative use for overwhelming public criticism.
这次的攻击揭示了现有安全协议的根本性缺陷。
This attack revealed fundamental flaws in the existing security protocols.
Attack as a catalyst for revealing weaknesses.
他以一种近乎哲学辩论的方式攻击了传统道德观念。
He attacked traditional moral concepts in a manner akin to philosophical debate.
Describing the philosophical nature of an attack.
企业在面对恶意软件攻击时,必须具备快速响应能力。
When facing malicious software attacks, companies must possess rapid response capabilities.
Technical context with emphasis on response.
该理论的提出,本身就是对传统范式的一种攻击,迫使学界重新审视。
The proposal of this theory is itself an attack on the traditional paradigm, forcing the academic community to re-examine.
Abstract attack on established theoretical frameworks.
在后真相时代,叙事攻击成为操纵公众舆论的隐形武器。
In the post-truth era, narrative attacks have become an invisible weapon for manipulating public opinion.
Highly abstract concept of 'narrative attack' in modern discourse.
历史学家们对‘王朝攻击’的定义提出了质疑,认为其过于简化了复杂的社会变迁。
Historians questioned the definition of 'dynastic attack', arguing it oversimplified complex social changes.
Critiquing historical terminology and its implications.
这位作家以其独特的解构主义手法,对权力结构进行了艺术性的攻击。
With his unique deconstructivist approach, the writer launched an artistic attack on power structures.
Literary and artistic critique using sophisticated terminology.
面对无休止的言论攻击,他选择以一种更为深刻的哲学反思来回应。
Faced with endless verbal attacks, he chose to respond with a more profound philosophical reflection.
Philosophical response to relentless criticism.
这次的攻击暴露了供应链中长期存在的脆弱性,引发了对全球化风险的广泛讨论。
This attack exposed long-standing vulnerabilities in the supply chain, triggering widespread discussion on globalization risks.
Analyzing the systemic implications of an attack.
他通过对经典文本的重新阐释,对主流解读进行了一次巧妙的攻击。
Through reinterpretation of classic texts, he launched a subtle attack on mainstream interpretations.
Subtle and intellectual 'attack' through reinterpretation.
在人工智能伦理的讨论中,‘算法偏见’常被视为一种隐性的攻击形式。
In discussions of AI ethics, 'algorithmic bias' is often seen as a form of implicit attack.
Ethical considerations of 'implicit attacks' in AI.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To launch an attack; to initiate an offensive.
军队<strong>发动</strong>了猛烈的<strong>攻击</strong>,试图突破敌人的防线。
— To be attacked; to receive an attack.
他的观点<strong>受到</strong>了广泛的<strong>攻击</strong>,但他坚持自己的立场。
— Verbal attack; harsh criticism.
在网络上,<strong>言语</strong><strong>攻击</strong>是一种常见的现象。
— Cyberattack; hacking attempt.
公司必须加强安全措施以防范<strong>网络</strong><strong>攻击</strong>。
— Military attack; offensive operation.
这次<strong>军事</strong><strong>攻击</strong>造成了严重的后果。
— To carry out an attack; to launch an assault.
他们决定<strong>进行</strong>一次大胆的<strong>攻击</strong>。
— To counter-attack; to strike back. (Often used as a single word, but conceptually related to responding to an attack).
在受到敌人<strong>攻击</strong>后,我们必须<strong>反击</strong>。
— Aggressive speech; hate speech.
社交媒体平台禁止<strong>攻击性</strong><strong>言论</strong>。
— Attack target; objective of an attack.
这次<strong>攻击</strong>的<strong>目标</strong>是重要的基础设施。
— Physical attack; assault.
他<strong>受到</strong>了<strong>物理</strong><strong>攻击</strong>,但没有大碍。
Often Confused With
While both mean 'to attack', 进攻 is more specific to military or sports offensives and implies advancing. 攻击 is more general and can be used in broader contexts, including verbal and cyber attacks.
袭击 emphasizes surprise or suddenness in an attack, like a raid or ambush. 攻击 is a more general term for an attack and doesn't necessarily imply surprise.
侵犯 means to infringe upon or violate rights, privacy, or territory. It's an attack on boundaries or integrity, rather than a direct physical assault.
Idioms & Expressions
— Open guns are easy to dodge, but hidden arrows are hard to guard against. This idiom, while not directly using 攻击, describes a situation where a direct attack (明枪) is less dangerous than a hidden, insidious one (暗箭). It highlights the nature of certain types of 'attacks'.
他的批评是明枪易躲,但背后的诽谤却是暗箭难防。
General— To attack when one is unprepared; to take advantage of an enemy's weakness.
战术的关键在于攻其不备,出其不意。
Military/Strategy— Swords drawn and bows bent; a tense situation on the verge of conflict or attack.
双方的谈判陷入僵局,气氛剑拔弩张。
General/Tense situations— To attack cities and seize territories; to conquer and expand.
古代的战争常常是为了攻城掠地而进行的。
Historical/Military— To attack the mind is paramount; the best strategy is to win over the enemy's hearts and minds.
在心理战中,攻心为上,比纯粹的武力更有效。
Strategy/Psychological— An alliance for both attack and defense; a mutual defense pact.
这两个国家建立了攻守同盟,以应对共同的威胁。
Political/Military— As if facing a formidable enemy; to be extremely vigilant and cautious.
面对如此强大的对手,我们必须如临大敌。
General/Vigilance— To pursue relentlessly and attack fiercely; to go all out in an attack.
在市场竞争中,他们对客户展开了穷追猛打的营销攻势。
Business/Intense action— Attacks must be victorious, defenses must be impregnable; a principle of successful military strategy.
军事理论强调攻必克,守必固的原则。
Military Strategy— All's fair in war; stratagems and tricks are not to be disdained in warfare. This relates to the methods of attack.
在谈判中,有时兵不厌诈,但要谨慎使用。
General/StrategyEasily Confused
Both words relate to the act of attacking.
进攻 specifically refers to an offensive move, particularly in military or sports contexts, often implying advancement. 攻击 is a more general term for attack and can apply to physical, verbal, or cyber aggression without necessarily implying advancement.
军队<strong>进攻</strong>了敌人的阵地。(Military advanced/attacked the position.) vs. 敌人<strong>攻击</strong>了这座城市。(Enemy attacked the city - more general.)
Both describe an act of aggression.
袭击 implies a sudden, unexpected, or surprise attack, like a raid or ambush. 攻击 is a broader term for any kind of attack, whether planned or spontaneous.
警察<strong>袭击</strong>了犯罪分子。(Police raided the criminals - implying surprise.) vs. 士兵<strong>攻击</strong>了敌人。(Soldiers attacked the enemy - general term.)
Both involve causing harm or transgression.
侵犯 means to violate or infringe upon rights, privacy, territory, or laws. It's about breaching boundaries. 攻击 is a more direct act of aggression, often physical or forceful.
他的言论<strong>侵犯</strong>了我的隐私。(His remarks violated my privacy.) vs. 他<strong>攻击</strong>了我。(He attacked me - implies physical or verbal aggression.)
Both can refer to verbal aggression or negative statements.
批评 means to criticize or evaluate negatively, focusing on flaws or mistakes. 攻击, when used metaphorically for verbal attacks, suggests a more forceful, often harsh, and potentially damaging criticism aimed at hurting or undermining someone.
老师<strong>批评</strong>了他的作业。(The teacher criticized his homework - focused on improvement.) vs. 他的话像<strong>攻击</strong>一样。(His words were like an attack - implying harshness and intent to hurt.)
They are opposing actions in conflict.
防守 means to defend or guard, protecting oneself or a position. 攻击 is the act of initiating aggression or trying to overcome an opponent.
球队的<strong>防守</strong>很出色。(The team's defense was excellent.) vs. 球队的<strong>攻击</strong>很犀利。(The team's offense/attack was sharp.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 攻击 + Object.
猫<strong>攻击</strong>了老鼠。
请不要 + 攻击!
请不要<strong>攻击</strong>我!
Subject + 受到 + 攻击.
我<strong>受到</strong>了<strong>攻击</strong>。
Noun + 攻击.
这是<strong>网络</strong><strong>攻击</strong>。
Subject + 攻击 + Object + 的 + Noun.
我们需要一个<strong>攻击</strong>计划。
Subject + 对 + Object + 进行 + 攻击.
他们<strong>对</strong>敌人<strong>进行</strong>了<strong>攻击</strong>。
Subject + 攻击 + Object + (Adverbial Phrase).
他<strong>攻击</strong>了对手的弱点。
Context + 揭示了 + 攻击 + 的 + Nature/Impact.
这次<strong>攻击</strong>揭示了系统的漏洞。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High
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Pronouncing 攻击 with incorrect tones.
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Both syllables should have the first tone (high, level/rising).
Incorrect tones can change the word entirely or make it unintelligible. For example, a different tone on 'gōng' could potentially lead to confusion with other words.
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Using 攻击 for mild criticism.
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Use 批评 (pīpíng) or 指责 (zhǐzé) for milder forms of criticism or blame.
While 攻击 can be used metaphorically for strong criticism, using it for minor disagreements can sound overly aggressive and unnatural. Context dictates the appropriate word.
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Forgetting the passive structure '受到攻击'.
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Use '受到<strong>攻击</strong>' for 'to be attacked'.
Simply saying '我<strong>攻击</strong>' when you mean 'I was attacked' is grammatically incorrect and means 'I attacked'. The passive voice marker 受到 is essential.
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Confusing 攻击 with 进攻 (jìngōng) or 袭击 (xíjí).
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Use 进攻 for military/sports advances, 袭击 for surprise attacks, and 攻击 for general attacks.
Each word has a specific nuance. Using them interchangeably can lead to imprecise communication. 进攻 implies moving forward, 袭击 implies surprise, while 攻击 is the broadest term.
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Using 攻击 without an object when the context requires it.
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Specify what is being attacked when possible, especially in formal contexts.
While sometimes implied, in many situations, especially in news or military contexts, it's clearer and more grammatically complete to specify the target of the attack. For example, '敌人<strong>攻击</strong>了' is vague; '敌人<strong>攻击</strong>了城市' is better.
Tips
Master the Tones
The tones are critical for 攻击 (gōngjí). Both syllables have the first tone (high, level/rising). Practice saying 'gōng' and 'jí' with this tone to ensure you are understood correctly. Mispronouncing tones can lead to confusion with other words.
Passive Voice
To express 'to be attacked', use the structure 受到 + 攻击 (shòudào gōngjí). For example, '他受到了攻击' (He was attacked). This is a very common and useful pattern.
Metaphorical Power
Don't limit 攻击 to just physical violence. It's widely used metaphorically for criticism, challenges, and even competitive actions in business or sports. Embrace its versatility.
Active Recall
After learning 攻击, try to actively recall it by creating your own sentences or using it in conversations. The more you use it, the more natural it will become.
Strategic Thinking
Consider the cultural importance of strategy in Chinese thought (e.g., 'The Art of War'). This can help you understand why 攻击 is a fundamental concept and how it's applied in various strategic scenarios, from warfare to business.
Distinguish from Similar Words
Be aware of words like 进攻 (jìngōng - advance/offense) and 袭击 (xíjí - raid/surprise attack). Understanding their subtle differences will allow for more precise expression.
News and Media
When reading news articles or watching news reports in Chinese, actively look for instances of 攻击. This is one of the most common places you'll encounter the word.
Visualize the Action
Create a vivid mental image for 攻击. Imagine a sword striking or a computer virus infecting a system. Visualizing the action can help solidify the meaning in your memory.
Role-Playing
Practice role-playing different scenarios involving attacks, such as a sports commentator describing an offensive play, a news reporter detailing a cyberattack, or a character defending themselves against criticism.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'Go' (gōng) kart that is very fast and aggressively 'jumps' (jí) over obstacles to attack its opponents. The 'Go' kart is attacking the race track!
Visual Association
Picture a knight in shining armor (representing 'gōng') wielding a sword (representing 'jí') and charging towards an enemy castle. The knight is attacking the castle.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 攻击 in three different sentences today: one about a physical attack, one about a cyberattack, and one about verbal criticism. This will help you solidify its varied meanings.
Word Origin
The word 攻击 (gōngjí) is a compound word formed from two characters: 攻 (gōng) and 击 (jí). Both characters individually relate to attacking or striking. 攻 historically referred to attacking a city or a fortified place, while 击 meant to strike or hit.
Original meaning: 攻 (gōng) originally meant to attack a city or a fortified place. 击 (jí) meant to strike or hit with a weapon or hand. Together, they form a strong verb signifying a direct and often forceful act of aggression.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
The word 攻击 can be sensitive, especially when referring to physical violence, war, or severe personal attacks. It's important to use it appropriately and be mindful of the context to avoid causing distress or misinterpretation. In metaphorical uses, such as criticism, the severity can range from mild disagreement to harsh condemnation.
In English-speaking cultures, 'attack' can also have a wide range of meanings, from physical violence to strong criticism. The nuances are similar, but the specific contexts and cultural connotations might differ. For instance, the emphasis on 'face' in Chinese culture might lead to more indirect forms of expressing disagreement or criticism, which can be seen as a subtle form of 'attack'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Military operations and news reports about conflicts.
- 军事攻击 (jūnshì gōngjí)
- 发动攻击 (fādòng gōngjí)
- 受到攻击 (shòudào gōngjí)
- 攻击目标 (gōngjí mùbiāo)
Cybersecurity and technology news.
- 网络攻击 (wǎngluò gōngjí)
- 黑客攻击 (hēikè gōngjí)
- 病毒攻击 (bìngdú gōngjí)
- 攻击手段 (gōngjí shǒuduàn)
Sports and games, referring to offensive plays.
- 积极攻击 (jījí gōngjí)
- 进攻 (jìngōng)
- 球队的攻击 (qiúduì de gōngjí)
Social media and online discussions, referring to criticism or arguments.
- 言语攻击 (yányǔ gōngjí)
- 攻击性言论 (gōngjíxìng yánlùn)
- 受到攻击 (shòudào gōngjí)
Discussions about rights, privacy, or borders being violated.
- 侵犯 (qīnfàn)
- 攻击隐私 (gōngjí yǐnsī)
- 攻击主权 (gōngjí zhǔquán)
Conversation Starters
"Have you heard about the recent news regarding the international conflict? What do you think about the attacks?"
"In sports, do you prefer teams that focus on attacking or defending?"
"Have you ever been a victim of a cyberattack? What happened?"
"When someone criticizes your work, how do you prefer to respond? Do you see it as an attack?"
"What are some historical examples of significant attacks that changed the course of history?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you felt attacked, either physically or verbally. How did you react?
Imagine you are a military strategist. What would be your approach to launching an attack on an enemy stronghold?
Reflect on the use of 'attack' in online discourse. What are the benefits and drawbacks of such aggressive communication?
Consider a time when you had to defend yourself or your beliefs against strong criticism. How did you handle it?
Write a short story about a character who is wrongly accused of an attack. How do they prove their innocence?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe most common meaning of 攻击 (gōngjí) is to physically attack or assault someone or something. However, it is also very frequently used metaphorically for verbal criticism, cyberattacks, and military offensives.
While 攻击 often carries negative connotations due to its association with violence and harm, it can be used in neutral or even positive contexts, such as in sports where 'attacking' is a strategy to score points, or in describing a strong, effective critique that leads to improvement. The context is key.
You can usually tell from the context. If the subject is an army, a person in a fight, or an animal acting aggressively, it's likely a physical attack. If the subject is words, ideas, computer systems, or market share, it's a metaphorical attack. Look at the surrounding words and the overall situation.
Yes, 攻击 can be used as a noun, meaning 'an attack' or 'an assault'. For example, '这次攻击很突然' (This attack was very sudden). It often appears in compound nouns like '网络攻击' (cyberattack).
进攻 is more specific to military or sports offensives and implies advancing or moving forward to attack. 攻击 is a more general term for attack and can be used in a wider variety of situations, including verbal and cyber threats, without necessarily implying advancement.
The most common way to say 'to be attacked' is to use the passive structure with 受到 (shòudào), like '受到攻击' (shòudào gōngjí). For example, '他受到了攻击' (He was attacked).
攻击 is a versatile word used across different registers. It can be used in formal contexts (e.g., military reports, political speeches) and informal contexts (e.g., everyday conversations about arguments). However, certain structures, like '对...进行攻击', are more formal.
Common phrases include '发动攻击' (to launch an attack), '受到攻击' (to be attacked), '网络攻击' (cyberattack), and '言语攻击' (verbal attack).
Yes, 攻击 can be used to describe animals attacking each other or attacking humans. For example, '狮子攻击了斑马' (The lion attacked the zebra).
Opposites include '防守' (fángshǒu - to defend), '保护' (bǎohù - to protect), and '和平' (hépíng - peace).
Test Yourself 111 questions
Write a simple sentence using 攻击 to describe an animal attacking something.
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Write a sentence telling someone not to attack you.
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Write a sentence about a computer virus attacking a computer.
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Write a sentence about being attacked using 受到.
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Write a sentence about a verbal attack.
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Write a sentence using the structure '对...进行攻击'.
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Write a sentence about a cyberattack and its target.
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Write a sentence describing a political attack.
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Write a sentence about an 'ideological attack'.
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Write a sentence about an artist 'attacking' societal issues.
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Write a sentence using '叙事攻击' in the context of media.
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Write a sentence discussing an 'attack on traditional paradigms'.
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Summary
攻击 (gōngjí) is a versatile verb meaning 'to attack' or 'to assault.' It's used broadly for physical violence, military actions, verbal criticism, and cyber threats, making it a crucial word for understanding news, conflicts, and even everyday metaphorical expressions of aggression.
- A verb meaning 'to attack' or 'to assault'.
- Used for physical, verbal, military, and cyber attacks.
- Common in news, sports, and technology contexts.
- Essential for understanding conflict and criticism.
Master the Tones
The tones are critical for 攻击 (gōngjí). Both syllables have the first tone (high, level/rising). Practice saying 'gōng' and 'jí' with this tone to ensure you are understood correctly. Mispronouncing tones can lead to confusion with other words.
Context is Key
Remember that 攻击 has multiple meanings. Always pay attention to the surrounding words and the situation to determine whether it refers to a physical attack, a verbal assault, a cyber threat, or a military action.
Passive Voice
To express 'to be attacked', use the structure 受到 + 攻击 (shòudào gōngjí). For example, '他受到了攻击' (He was attacked). This is a very common and useful pattern.
Metaphorical Power
Don't limit 攻击 to just physical violence. It's widely used metaphorically for criticism, challenges, and even competitive actions in business or sports. Embrace its versatility.
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