Translation guide
The English word "artillery" refers to large-caliber guns used in warfare, or the branch of an army that uses them. This guide covers how to express these concepts in Japanese, from formal military terms to casual or metaphorical uses.
The physical weapons themselves, such as cannons, howitzers, mortars, and rocket launchers.
General term for artillery pieces, especially in military contexts. Often used in compounds.
The enemy artillery is intense.
Common word for 'cannon' or large gun. Can be used for historical or modern artillery.
Cannons were lined up on the castle walls.
Suffix meaning 'gun' or 'cannon', used in compounds like 榴弾砲 (howitzer) or 迫撃砲 (mortar).
The ship fired its main guns.
Literally 'artillery soldier', but can refer to the artillery branch or artillerymen.
He served as an artilleryman.
The artillery corps or unit within an army.
The action or effect of artillery fire, often used metaphorically.
Using 'artillery' figuratively, e.g., 'heavy artillery' for strong arguments or resources.
火砲 (かほう) is a more technical military term for artillery pieces, while 大砲 (たいほう) is the common word for 'cannon' and can be used in historical or everyday contexts. 大砲 is more likely to be understood by the general public.
When using 'artillery' metaphorically (e.g., 'bring out the heavy artillery'), direct translations like 大砲を持ち出す may sound odd. Instead, use phrases like 切り札を出す or 強力な手段を使う.
The two armies exchanged artillery fire.
Concentrated fire. Can be used metaphorically for intense criticism.
His proposal came under a barrage of criticism.
They used that information as heavy artillery in the negotiations.