Translation guide
A ballista is an ancient military weapon that launches large projectiles. In Japanese, it is typically referred to using loanwords or descriptive terms.
Referring to the large crossbow-like siege engine used in ancient warfare.
The most common and direct loanword from English/Latin, used in modern Japanese to refer to the ancient weapon.
古代ローマ軍はバリスタを使って城壁を攻撃した。
The ancient Roman army attacked the castle walls using ballistae.
A Sino-Japanese term literally meaning 'crossbow cannon', used in historical or technical contexts.
弩砲は古代の攻城兵器の一つである。
The ballista is one of the ancient siege weapons.
Literally 'large crossbow', a descriptive term that may be used when explaining the weapon to someone unfamiliar with the loanword.
この大型弩は石や矢を遠くまで飛ばすことができた。
This large crossbow could launch stones and arrows over long distances.