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'.
城の防御を強化する。
Strengthen the castle's defense.
彼は自己防御のために行動した。
He acted in self-defense.
Often used for national defense or protecting a country. More formal and institutional than 防御.
日本の防衛費は増加している。
Japan's defense spending is increasing.
A more everyday word for protection or guarding. Can be used for physical protection or in sports.
このチームは守りが強い。
This team has a strong defense.
Refers to defensive preparations or fortifications. More about the state of being prepared for defense.
沿岸の防備を固める。
Strengthen coastal defenses.
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).
被告の弁護を担当する。
Handle the defendant's defense.
彼は自己弁護を行った。
He conducted his own defense.
A formal legal term meaning 'plea' or 'defense argument'. Used in specific legal contexts.
Expressing the act of defending a position, opinion, or theory.
Used for defending or championing a person, idea, or policy. Often implies active support.
彼は自分の意見を擁護した。
He defended his opinion.
Means 'explanation' or 'justification', often used when defending oneself against criticism.
A versatile phrase meaning 'to protect/defend something'. Can be used for abstract things like honor or principles.
彼は自分の信念を守った。
He defended his beliefs.
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).
彼は守備がうまい。
He is good at defense.
守備のミスで点を取られた。
They scored due to a defensive error.
Loanword from English, commonly used in sports contexts, especially basketball and soccer.
Also used in sports, but more colloquial than 守備.
Protecting oneself from physical harm.
Defense of a nation or territory.
The primary term for national defense. Used in official contexts like 防衛省 (Ministry of Defense).
国の防衛は重要だ。
National defense is important.
Specifically means 'national defense'. Often used in compound words like 国防費 (defense spending).
防御 is the most general term for defense against attack. 防衛 is used for national defense or protecting larger entities. 守備 is specifically for sports defense. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
The loanword ディフェンス is only used in sports or casual contexts. For legal defense, always use 弁護.
被告は無罪の抗弁をした。
The defendant entered a plea of not guilty.
彼は自分の行動について弁明した。
He defended his actions (explained himself).
ディフェンスを強化する必要がある。
We need to strengthen our defense.
守りを固めろ！
Tighten up the defense!
自己防衛のために戦った。
Fought in self-defense.
国防政策を見直す。
Review defense policy.