Translation guide
The English word "defense" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical protection and military defense to legal arguments and sports tactics. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese expressions for each context, helping you choose the right word naturally.
Expressing the act or means of protecting someone or something from physical danger or attack.
General term for defense, protection, or guarding against an attack. Used in military, sports, and everyday contexts.
敵の攻撃を防御する。
Defend against the enemy's attack.
防御壁を築く。
Build a defensive wall.
Literally 'protection' or 'defense'. Often used in a more personal or emotional sense, such as protecting a person or a place. Also used in sports.
家族の守りが第一だ。
The defense of my family comes first.
チームの守りが固い。
The team's defense is solid.
Often used for national defense, self-defense, or military protection. More formal than 防御.
自衛隊は日本の防衛を担っている。
The Self-Defense Forces are responsible for Japan's defense.
防衛費を増やす。
Increase defense spending.
Referring to the argument or case made by a defendant in a court of law.
Legal defense; the act of defending someone in court. Often used with 弁護士 (lawyer).
彼は自分の弁護を始めた。
He began his own defense.
弁護側の主張を聞く。
Hear the defense's argument.
The part of a team or player's role focused on preventing the opponent from scoring.
An unconscious mental process that protects a person from anxiety or unacceptable thoughts.
Psychological term for defense mechanism. Used in clinical and academic contexts.
防衛機制としての抑圧。
Repression as a defense mechanism.
Justifying or supporting a position against criticism.
Counterargument; rebuttal. Often used when defending one's opinion.
彼の意見に反論する。
Defend against his opinion.
Explanation or justification of one's actions; a plea. Can be used in both formal and informal settings.
防御 is the most general term for defense against attacks. 防衛 is used for national or military defense. 守備 is specifically for sports defense. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
城の防御を固める。
Strengthen the castle's defense.
国の防衛に尽力する。
Devote oneself to national defense.
守備位置につく。
Take up a defensive position.
Directly translating 'defense' as ディフェンス is only appropriate in sports or casual contexts. In formal or military contexts, use 防御 or 防衛.
Self-defense as a legal justification. A specific term used in criminal law.
彼の行為は正当防衛と認められた。
His act was recognized as self-defense.
ディフェンスを強化する。
Strengthen the defense.
彼は自分の行動を弁明した。
He defended his actions.