Translation guide
The English word 'army' refers to a large organized military force, typically for land warfare. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 陸軍 (rikugun) for a national army, but other terms exist depending on context, such as 軍隊 (guntai) for armed forces in general, or 軍 (gun) as a suffix. This guide covers how to express 'army' naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a country's official army, especially in historical or formal contexts.
The standard term for a national army, particularly in historical contexts like the Imperial Japanese Army. Still used for some modern armies.
He joined the army.
The official name for Japan's post-war army, the Ground Self-Defense Force. Use this when specifically referring to Japan's army.
The army (Ground Self-Defense Force) is also deployed for disaster relief.
Means 'national army' or 'armed forces of a country'. Used for countries other than Japan.
That country's army is powerful.
Referring to military forces collectively, not necessarily just land forces.
Figurative use meaning a large number of people or things.
Literally 'large army', used figuratively for a large crowd or swarm.
An army of spectators flooded into the stadium.
Pattern meaning 'a crowd of ~' or 'a swarm of ~'. Not specifically military, but conveys a large group.
An army of ants is swarming over the food.
陸軍 (rikugun) specifically means 'land army', while 軍隊 (guntai) is a broader term for 'military forces' including navy and air force. Use 陸軍 when you need to distinguish from other branches.
Cooperation between the army and navy is necessary.
Japan's post-war constitution renounces war, so its military is officially called 自衛隊 (Jieitai, Self-Defense Forces). The army branch is 陸上自衛隊 (Rikujō Jieitai). Using 陸軍 for Japan's current forces can be politically sensitive or historically inaccurate. For modern Japan, use 陸上自衛隊.
An army (GSDF) exercise was conducted.
He is an army officer.