Translation guide
The global conflict from 1939 to 1945. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to as 第二次世界大戦 (the Second World War), but the Pacific War is often distinguished as 太平洋戦争. Context determines which term is appropriate.
Referring to the entire worldwide war, especially in historical or international contexts.
Standard term for World War II, used in formal and educational contexts.
第二次世界大戦は1939年に始まった。
World War II began in 1939.
Abbreviation used in some written contexts, often in academic or English-influenced materials.
WWIIの影響は今も続いている。
The effects of WWII continue even now.
Referring specifically to the war in the Pacific and East Asia, often from a Japanese perspective.
The Pacific War, the theater of WWII involving Japan, the US, and other Pacific nations. Commonly used in Japan.
太平洋戦争は1941年に始まった。
The Pacific War began in 1941.
Describing things related to or after WWII, such as generations or periods.
Postwar; often refers to the period after WWII. Can be used in compounds like 戦後世代 (postwar generation).
戦後の日本は急速に復興した。
Postwar Japan recovered rapidly.
During World War II. Used to specify the time frame.
第二次世界大戦中、多くの人が避難した。
During World War II, many people evacuated.
第二次世界大戦 refers to the entire global conflict from 1939 to 1945. 太平洋戦争 refers specifically to the Pacific theater, usually from 1941 to 1945. In Japanese education and media, 太平洋戦争 is often used when discussing Japan's role, while 第二次世界大戦 is used for the broader war.
第二次世界大戦ではドイツがポーランドに侵攻した。
In World War II, Germany invaded Poland.
太平洋戦争では真珠湾攻撃が起きた。
In the Pacific War, the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred.
大東亜戦争 is a wartime propaganda term and is not used in objective historical discussion. It may be seen as revisionist or nationalistic. Stick to 太平洋戦争 or 第二次世界大戦.
Greater East Asia War, a term used during the war by the Japanese government. Now considered politically charged and rarely used neutrally.
This term is associated with wartime propaganda and is avoided in most modern contexts. Use 太平洋戦争 instead.
当時は大東亜戦争と呼ばれていた。
At the time, it was called the Greater East Asia War.