Translation guide
The English word 'defence' covers a wide range of meanings from physical protection to legal arguments and sports. This guide helps learners choose the most natural Japanese expression for each context.
Expressing the act of protecting someone or something from physical or abstract attack.
General term for defense, often used in military, sports, or abstract contexts. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to defend'.
Strengthen the castle's defense.
Often used for national defense or protecting a country. More formal and institutional than 防御.
A more everyday word for protection or guarding. Can be used for physical protection or in sports.
Refers to defensive preparations or fortifications. More about the state of being prepared for defense.
Referring to the case presented by a defendant in a court of law.
The standard term for legal defense. 弁護士 means lawyer (defense attorney).
Expressing the act of defending a position, opinion, or theory.
Used for defending or championing a person, idea, or policy. Often implies active support.
Referring to the defensive aspect of a sport.
The standard term for defense in sports like baseball, soccer, etc. Often used in compound words like 守備力 (defensive ability).
Protecting oneself from physical harm.
Specifically refers to self-defense, often used in 護身術 (self-defense techniques).
Defense of a nation or territory.
The primary term for national defense. Used in official contexts like 防衛省 (Ministry of Defense).
He acted in self-defense.
日本の防衛費は増加している。
Japan's defense spending is increasing.
このチームは守りが強い。
This team has a strong defense.
Strengthen coastal defenses.
Handle the defendant's defense.
He conducted his own defense.
A formal legal term meaning 'plea' or 'defense argument'. Used in specific legal contexts.
The defendant entered a plea of not guilty.
He defended his opinion.
Means 'explanation' or 'justification', often used when defending oneself against criticism.
He defended his actions (explained himself).
A versatile phrase meaning 'to protect/defend something'. Can be used for abstract things like honor or principles.
He defended his beliefs.
彼は守備がうまい。
He is good at defense.
They scored due to a defensive error.
Loanword from English, commonly used in sports contexts, especially basketball and soccer.
We need to strengthen our defense.
Also used in sports, but more colloquial than 守備.
Tighten up the defense!
Learn self-defense.
A more formal term for self-defense, often used in legal or psychological contexts.
Fought in self-defense.
National defense is important.
Specifically means 'national defense'. Often used in compound words like 国防費 (defense spending).
Review defense policy.
national defense
baseball defense
The loanword ディフェンス is only used in sports or casual contexts. For legal defense, always use 弁護.