Translation guide
The system or act of compelling people to serve in the military. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with 徴兵制度 (conscription system) or 徴兵 (the draft).
Referring to the legal or institutional system of mandatory military service.
Referring to the process of calling people up for military service.
Emphasizing the obligation aspect of conscription.
Literally 'duty of military service'. Used when discussing the legal obligation.
兵役の義務を果たすことは国民の責務だ。
Fulfilling the duty of military service is a citizen's responsibility.
徴兵 (chōhei) specifically refers to conscription or the draft, while 兵役 (heieki) means military service in general, which can be voluntary or compulsory. Use 徴兵 when emphasizing the compulsory nature.
彼は徴兵を逃れるために国外に逃れた。
He fled abroad to evade conscription.
兵役を終えた後、彼は大学に戻った。
After completing his military service, he returned to university.
While 徴兵 is a direct equivalent, in many contexts it's more natural to use phrases like 徴兵制度 (conscription system) or 徴兵される (to be conscripted). Using 徴兵 alone can sound abrupt or technical.
The standard term for the conscription system. Used in formal and general contexts.
日本では戦後、徴兵制度が廃止された。
In Japan, the conscription system was abolished after the war.
A shorter form of 徴兵制度, commonly used in news and conversation.
徴兵制の復活を主張する人もいる。
Some people advocate the revival of conscription.
Refers to the military service system in general, which may include conscription or voluntary service.
韓国の兵役制度は徴兵制に基づいている。
South Korea's military service system is based on conscription.
The act of conscription or the draft itself. Can be used as a noun or in compound verbs.
戦時中、多くの若者が徴兵された。
During the war, many young people were conscripted.
Passive form meaning 'to be conscripted' or 'to be drafted'. The most natural way to say someone is drafted.
彼は18歳で徴兵されることになっている。
He is supposed to be conscripted at age 18.
To call up or mobilize, often used for reservists or in wartime. More formal.
政府は予備役を召集した。
The government called up the reservists.
Compulsory military service. A more formal compound.
その国では義務兵役が課せられている。
Compulsory military service is imposed in that country.