攻撃的
kōgekiteki
The Japanese word for "aggressive" is 攻撃的 (kōgekiteki).
攻撃的 is used to describe behavior, attitudes or actions that are hostile or attacking. While it can describe a person's personality, it is most commonly used to describe specific behaviors, attitudes or actions (like an aggressive marketing strategy or an aggressive stance).
Meaning: aggressive behavior (adj)
Which one should you use?
In English, "aggressive" can sometimes be used positively to mean 'ambitious' or 'proactive', but in Japanese, 攻撃的 (kōgekiteki) almost always carries a negative connotation of hostility. Use 積極的 for a positive, proactive sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used directly before a noun, you must add the particle な to the end of the word, forming 攻撃的な (kōgekiteki na).
How do you pronounce it?
kōgekiteki
Did you know?
- The suffix 的 (-teki) transforms nouns into adjectives and is derived from the Chinese word for 'target' or 'mark'.
- The word 攻撃的 is so strongly associated with hostility that using it to describe a person's personality can imply they are physically dangerous or prone to violence.
- While 攻撃的 is negative, the word 強気 (tsuyoki) describes a 'strong-willed' or 'aggressive' confidence in a way that is neutral and socially acceptable.
Examples in context
- 彼は人に避けられるほど、性格が攻撃的です。He is so aggressive that others avoid him.This sentence shows how a person's personality can be so aggressive that they are avoided by others.Tatoeba #2974701 by eirik174, translation #292098 by Eldad
- 彼は社会を忌避して自分の中に閉じこもるというよりは、社会に対して常に攻撃的な態度をとり続けた。He continues always being aggressive towards society, rather than repelling society and confining himself.This sentence describes someone maintaining an aggressive attitude towards society.Tatoeba #822711 by xtofu80, translation #10040250 by Jondel
- 彼は問題解決に対して積極的なアプローチをする。He takes an aggressive approach towards problem-solving.
- あのバイクの音がイカつい！The sound of that motorcycle is aggressive!
- その犬はとても攻撃的です。Sono inu wa totemo kougekiteki desu.That dog is very aggressive.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are discussing a stray cat in the neighborhood.
- 結衣 Yuiあの猫、すごく攻撃的じゃない？Ano neko, sugoku kougekiteki janai?Isn't that cat really aggressive?
- 蓮 Renそうだね、近づくと怒りそうだ。Sou dane, chikazuku to okorisou da.You're right, he looks like he'll get angry if we approach him.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くん、あまり近づかないで。Ren-kun, amari chikazukanaide.Ren, please don't get too close.
- 蓮 Renわかった、気を付けるよ。Wakatta, ki o tsukeru yo.Okay, I'll be careful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 攻撃的, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
