撃退する
gekitai suru
To repel in Japanese is 撃退する.
The verb is typically used in contexts involving driving back an enemy, an attacker or a physical force.
Meaning: to drive away (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun component 撃退 (gekitai) is composed of 撃 (strike/attack) and 退 (retreat/withdraw).
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense of 撃退する is 撃退した. To make a polite request, use 撃退してください.
How do you pronounce it?
gekitai suru
Did you know?
- When talking about magnets repelling each other, Japanese uses the phrase 反発する, which literally means 'to rebel' or 'to react against'.
- While 撃退する is used for enemies, Japanese uses a completely different word, 弾く, to describe a physical surface that repels water or oil.
- If you were to 'repel' an insect or a mosquito, you would never use 撃退する, as that implies a combat-style victory over an enemy.
Examples in context
- 軍隊が敵を撃退しましたThe army repelled the enemy
- 彼女は侵入者を追い払ったShe repelled the intruder
- 蚊を追っ払ったI repelled the mosquito
- セキュリティーガードが抗議者を撃退しました。The security guards repelled the protesters.
- 侵入者を撃退する。shinnyuusha o gekitai suru.To drive away an intruder.
Example conversation
Misaki and Youta are talking about a video game strategy.
- 美咲 Misakiどうやって敵を撃退するの？dou yatte teki o gekitai suru no?How do you repel the enemy?
- 陽太 Yota魔法を使って撃退するんだよ。mahou o tsukatte gekitai suru n da yo.You repel them using magic.
- 美咲 Misakiなるほど、陽太くんは詳しいね。naruhodo, Youta-kun wa kuwashii ne.I see, you are very knowledgeable, Youta.
- 陽太 Yotaこのゲームは面白いよ。kono geemu wa omoshiroi yo.This game is fun.
