電撃戦
dengekisen[dẽ̞ŋɡe̞kʲisẽ̞ɴ]
The English phrase "blitz" is translated into Japanese as 電撃戦 (dengekisen).
電撃戦 is used to describe a swift and overwhelming attack. It is primarily used in historical, military or strategic contexts to describe a sudden, overwhelming offensive.
Meaning: swift and overwhelming attack (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
dengekisen
Did you know?
- Outside of war, 電撃 is used in common phrases like 電撃結婚 to describe a 'shotgun wedding' or a surprise marriage announcement that shocks the public.
- The first part of the phrase, 電撃, literally means 'electric shock' or 'lightning strike'. While it describes a swift attack, it is the same word used to describe the sensation of an electric shock.
- In modern Japanese, the term 電撃 is frequently used in pop culture to describe a 'shocking' or 'sudden' development in manga or anime plots, moving far beyond its military origins.
Examples in context
- 彼は電撃戦のような速さで攻めた。Kare wa dengeki-sen no yōna hayasa de semeta.He attacked with a speed like a blitz.
- 電撃戦を仕掛けて勝利を掴む。Dengeki-sen o shikakete shōri o tsukamu.Launch a blitz to seize victory.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a video game strategy.
- 美咲 Misaki今回の対戦、どうやって勝つの？Konkai no taisen, dō yatte katsu no?How are we going to win this match?
- 陽太 Yota電撃戦で一気に攻めるつもりだ。Dengeki-sen de ikki ni semeru tsumori da.I plan to attack all at once with a blitz.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太君の作戦は大胆ね。Yōta-kun no sakusen wa daitan ne.Your strategy is bold, Yota.
- 陽太 Yota美咲、サポートをお願い。Misaki, sapōto o onegai.Misaki, please support me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 電撃戦, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
