侵入

しんにゅう

invasion, raid, trespass

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"侵入" (しんにゅう) primarily means "invasion" or "trespass," referring to unauthorized entry into a place or system. It is often used in contexts involving physical intrusion, such as entering private property without permission, or metaphorical intrusion, like a virus invading a computer.

Common Contexts

This word appears frequently in security, legal, and IT-related conversations. For example, it can describe someone breaking into a building, unauthorized access to digital systems, or violations of personal privacy.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 侵入する: to invade or trespass (common verb form)
  • 不法侵入: illegal trespassing
  • 侵入者: intruder
  • 侵入を防ぐ: to prevent intrusion

Register and Nuance

"侵入" is a formal noun often used in written and formal spoken Japanese, such as news reports, legal documents, and technical discussions. It is less common in casual conversation, where simpler words like "入る" (to enter) might be used.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "侵入" with "侵略" (しんりゃく), which means "invasion" in a military or large-scale sense. "侵入" is more about unauthorized entry on a smaller scale, such as trespassing or hacking, rather than warfare.

Example Sentences

ふしんしゃがしきちにしんにゅうしたため、けいさつにつうほうした。

Because a suspicious person invaded the premises, we reported it to the police.

ういるすがこんぴゅうたーにしんにゅうしてでーたをはかいした。

A virus invaded the computer and destroyed the data.

ぷらいばしーのしんにゅうはほうりつできんしされている。

Invasion of privacy is prohibited by law.