Translation guide
The English word "combat" refers to fighting between armed forces or individuals. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 戦闘 (sentō), but depending on context, other words like 戦い (tatakai) or 格闘 (kakutō) may be more natural. This guide covers the main ways to express "combat" in Japanese, from military contexts to hand-to-hand fighting.
Refers to organized fighting between military forces, often in a war or battle context.
The standard term for combat in a military context. It can be used for battles, engagements, or fighting in general.
その部隊は激しい戦闘に巻き込まれた。
The unit was caught up in fierce combat.
戦闘が夜通し続いた。
The combat continued all night.
A broader term for fight, battle, or struggle. It can be used for both literal and figurative combat, but in military contexts it often implies a larger-scale battle.
彼は戦いで命を落とした。
He lost his life in combat.
Refers specifically to engaging in hostilities or exchanging fire. More formal and often used in news reports or military documents.
両軍は交戦状態に入った。
The two armies entered into combat.
Refers to physical fighting without weapons or at close range, such as martial arts or brawling.
Specifically means hand-to-hand combat or grappling. Used in martial arts contexts and for unarmed fighting.
彼は格闘技の訓練を受けている。
He is trained in hand-to-hand combat.
兵士たちは格闘戦の準備をした。
The soldiers prepared for close combat.
An older term for grappling or hand-to-hand combat, often used in historical or samurai contexts.
Used metaphorically for a determined effort against something, like combating disease or poverty.
The same word as 戦い but often written with this character for abstract struggles. It implies a fight against difficulties or social issues.
彼の人生は貧困との闘いだった。
His life was a combat against poverty.
A common pattern meaning 'fight against ~'. Used for both literal and figurative combat.
彼らは感染症との戦いを続けている。
They are continuing the combat against the infectious disease.
Refers to regulated fighting as a sport, such as boxing, MMA, or fencing.
The general term for combat sports or martial arts. It covers everything from judo to mixed martial arts.
彼は格闘技の試合に出場した。
He participated in a combat sports match.
Means 'match' or 'bout'. In context, it can refer to a combat sports event.
戦闘 (sentō) is specifically military combat. 戦い (tatakai) is a broader term for any fight or battle, including metaphorical ones. 格闘 (kakutō) is hand-to-hand combat, often unarmed. Choose based on the type of combat.
English often uses 'combat' as a verb (e.g., 'to combat climate change'). In Japanese, you usually need a different construction like ～と闘う (～とたたかう) or ～に対抗する (～にたいこうする). Do not try to use 戦闘 as a verb.
The samurai mastered the art of hand-to-hand combat.
Tonight's match will be a fierce combat.