Translation guide
The quality of being hostile, aggressive, or eager to fight, either in attitude or behavior.
Describing a person's or group's combative, confrontational demeanor.
A common adjective meaning 'belligerent' or 'warlike', used for people, nations, or attitudes.
Expressing a desire or readiness to start a fight or war.
A natural phrase meaning 'to be fond of fighting', captures the eagerness aspect.
彼は戦いを好む性格だ。
He has a belligerent nature.
Referring to actual aggressive acts, not just attitude.
好戦的 is a general term for a warlike or belligerent disposition, suitable for nations, policies, or personalities. 喧嘩腰 specifically describes a confrontational attitude or tone in interpersonal situations, like picking a fight.
There is no single Japanese noun that perfectly matches 'belligerence' in all contexts. Using 好戦性 is acceptable in formal writing, but in conversation, it's more natural to describe the behavior or attitude with adjectives like 好戦的 or phrases like 喧嘩腰.
彼は好戦的な態度をとった。
He took a belligerent attitude.
Literally 'fight-ready stance', describes a confrontational, belligerent posture or tone.
喧嘩腰の口調で話す。
Speak in a belligerent tone.
Means 'hostile' or 'antagonistic', often used in formal contexts.
敵対的な態度を示す。
Show a belligerent attitude.
Literally 'combative', used for militant or aggressive stances, often in political or ideological contexts.
戦闘的な演説を行った。
Gave a belligerent speech.
Noun form meaning 'belligerence' or 'warlikeness', often used in psychological or political analysis.
その国の好戦性が問題となっている。
The country's belligerence is a problem.
An adjective describing someone quick to start a fight, 'belligerent' in a personal, impulsive sense.
あの人は喧嘩っ早いから気をつけて。
That person is belligerent, so be careful.
Means 'provocation', often used for belligerent actions intended to incite conflict.
彼の挑発が戦争を引き起こした。
His belligerence provoked the war.
Means 'aggressive', can describe belligerent actions or behavior.
攻撃的な行動をとる。
Take belligerent actions.