Translation guide
The English word 'armour' refers to protective covering worn in battle or for safety. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 鎧 (yoroi) for traditional samurai armour, while modern protective gear uses terms like 防護服 (bougofuku) or 装甲 (soukou). This guide covers both historical and modern contexts.
Referring to the historical protective gear worn by samurai or warriors, often made of metal plates laced together.
The standard word for traditional Japanese armour. It specifically refers to the full suit of armour worn by samurai.
I saw an old suit of armour at the museum.
A more formal or literary term for armour, encompassing both helmet (兜) and body armour (鎧). Often used in historical contexts.
The figure of a warrior clad in armour is depicted.
Referring to protective clothing or equipment used by police, military, or in sports, such as bulletproof vests or riot gear.
General term for protective clothing, including hazmat suits, riot gear, or any full-body protective wear.
The police officers went to the scene wearing protective gear.
Refers to armour plating, especially on vehicles or as part of military equipment. Can also be used for body armour in a technical sense.
Referring to armour in video games, fantasy settings, or role-playing contexts, often as a category of equipment.
Even in fantasy contexts, 鎧 is the go-to word for armour. It covers plate mail, chainmail, etc.
In this game, equipping armour increases your defense.
Loanword from English, common in game terminology. Often used in compound words like パワーアーマー (powered armour).
Metaphorical use, such as emotional armour or a tough exterior protecting one's feelings.
While 鎧 is the most common translation for 'armour', it strongly evokes traditional samurai armour. For modern police or military protective gear, use 防護服 or 防弾チョッキ to avoid sounding archaic.
The police officer is wearing armour. (unnatural, sounds like samurai)
鎧 is the everyday word for traditional armour. 甲冑 is more formal and often used in historical or academic writing. In speech, 鎧 is preferred.
戦車は厚い装甲で守られている。
The tank is protected by thick armour.
Specifically a bulletproof vest. Note that チョッキ is an older word for vest; ベスト is more common today but 防弾チョッキ is a fixed term.
The soldier was wearing a bulletproof vest.
The special forces are equipped with the latest body armour.
新しいアーマーを手に入れた。
I got a new piece of armour.
She seems to be armouring herself against criticism.