Translation guide
A demilitarized zone (DMZ) is an area where military forces, equipment, and activities are prohibited by treaty or agreement. In Japanese, the standard term is 非武装地帯, often abbreviated as DMZ. The Korean DMZ is commonly referred to as 38度線 or 軍事境界線.
Referring to any area where military presence is banned by agreement.
Standard formal term for a demilitarized zone. Used in official contexts.
その地域は非武装地帯に指定された。
The area was designated as a demilitarized zone.
Abbreviation of 'demilitarized zone', commonly used in news and technical contexts. Pronounced ディーエムゼット.
DMZ内での軍事活動は禁止されている。
Military activities are prohibited within the DMZ.
Specifically referring to the buffer zone between North and South Korea.
Literally '38th parallel', the historical boundary that became the DMZ. Very common in everyday conversation.
38度線は朝鮮戦争の休戦後に設定された。
The 38th parallel was established after the Korean War armistice.
Describing a neutral or buffer area in non-military contexts.
Buffer zone. Used for any area that separates conflicting parties, not necessarily military.
その公園は工業地域と住宅地の緩衝地帯として機能している。
The park functions as a buffer zone between the industrial area and the residential area.
非武装地帯 is the general term for any DMZ. 38度線 specifically refers to the Korean DMZ and is widely understood by the public. 軍事境界線 is the official military term for the actual border line within the DMZ. Use 38度線 in casual conversation about Korea; use 非武装地帯 in formal or international contexts.
DMZ is commonly used in Japanese media and technical writing. It is pronounced ディーエムゼット. It can refer to the Korean DMZ or a network DMZ in IT contexts.
Military Demarcation Line (MDL), the actual border within the DMZ. More precise than 38度線.
軍事境界線を越えることは厳しく制限されている。
Crossing the Military Demarcation Line is strictly restricted.
Panmunjom, the truce village located in the DMZ. Often used metonymically for the DMZ area.
板門店では南北の会談が行われる。
Inter-Korean talks are held at Panmunjom.
Neutral zone. Emphasizes impartiality rather than demilitarization.
交渉は中立地帯で行われた。
The negotiations took place in a neutral zone.