Translation guide
A long-range missile capable of traveling between continents, typically carrying a nuclear warhead. In Japanese, the standard term is a direct loanword abbreviation, but full native terms also exist.
The most common way to refer to an intercontinental ballistic missile in Japanese.
The standard abbreviation, pronounced as individual English letters. Widely used in news and technical contexts.
北朝鮮がICBMを発射した。
North Korea launched an ICBM.
The full Japanese translation. Used in formal or explanatory contexts, but less common in everyday news than the abbreviation.
大陸間弾道ミサイルの開発が進んでいる。
Development of intercontinental ballistic missiles is progressing.
A shorter variant, sometimes used in military contexts. Less common than the full phrase.
大陸間弾道弾の配備が議論された。
The deployment of intercontinental ballistic missiles was discussed.