Translation guide
An armistice is a formal agreement to stop fighting, usually temporary, to allow for peace negotiations. In Japanese, the most common term is 休戦 (kyuusen), but there are also more formal or specific terms.
To refer to a temporary suspension of hostilities by mutual agreement.
The most common and general term for armistice or truce. Used in both historical and modern contexts.
両国は休戦に合意した。
The two countries agreed to an armistice.
休戦協定が結ばれた。
An armistice agreement was concluded.
Literally 'stop fighting', often used interchangeably with 休戦, but can imply a more immediate cessation of hostilities rather than a formal agreement.
停戦を求める声が高まっている。
Calls for a ceasefire are growing.
To refer to a formal, often written, agreement to end fighting, especially in historical or diplomatic contexts.
Armistice agreement. This is the standard term for a formal armistice document.
1918年11月11日に休戦協定が調印された。
The armistice agreement was signed on November 11, 1918.
Ceasefire agreement. Similar to 休戦協定, but may be used for less formal or more temporary arrangements.
停戦協定が破られた。
The ceasefire agreement was broken.
To refer to a temporary pause in fighting, sometimes informal or localized.
Temporary truce. Emphasizes the short-term nature.
彼らは負傷者を収容するために一時休戦した。
They called a temporary truce to collect the wounded.
Armistice period. Refers to the duration of the truce.
休戦期間中に和平交渉が行われた。
Peace negotiations took place during the armistice period.
Both mean cessation of hostilities. 休戦 (kyuusen) often implies a formal, mutual agreement, while 停戦 (teisen) can be a more general 'stop fighting' and may be used for unilateral ceasefires or demands. In practice, they overlap significantly.
When referring to the armistice that ended World War I, 休戦協定 (kyuusen kyoutei) is the standard term. The date November 11, 1918 is often called 休戦記念日 (Armistice Day).
休戦協定は午前5時に調印された。
The armistice was signed at 5 a.m.
彼らは休戦を宣言した。
They declared an armistice.