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.
Defend against the enemy's attack.
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.
Often used for national defense, self-defense, or military protection. More formal than 防御.
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).
The part of a team or player's role focused on preventing the opponent from scoring.
Defense in sports like baseball, soccer, etc. Refers to fielding or defensive play.
An unconscious mental process that protects a person from anxiety or unacceptable thoughts.
Justifying or supporting a position against criticism.
Counterargument; rebuttal. Often used when defending one's opinion.
Build a defensive wall.
家族の守りが第一だ。
The defense of my family comes first.
The team's defense is solid.
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.
Increase defense spending.
He began his own defense.
Hear the defense's argument.
Self-defense as a legal justification. A specific term used in criminal law.
His act was recognized as self-defense.
彼は守備がうまい。
He is good at defense.
Practice defense.
Loanword from English, used in many sports contexts, especially basketball and soccer.
Strengthen the defense.
Psychological term for defense mechanism. Used in clinical and academic contexts.
Repression as a defense mechanism.
Defend against his opinion.
Explanation or justification of one's actions; a plea. Can be used in both formal and informal settings.
He defended his actions.
Devote oneself to national defense.
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.