Translation guide
A person who abandons their military duty or post without permission. In Japanese, the most common and direct term is 脱走兵, but other expressions exist depending on context, such as fleeing from battle or evading conscription.
A soldier who leaves their unit or post without permission, especially during wartime.
The standard, neutral term for a military deserter. Used in formal and informal contexts.
He was court-martialed as a deserter.
Literally 'fugitive soldier'. Emphasizes the act of fleeing. Slightly more dramatic or literary than 脱走兵.
The deserter tried to cross the border.
A more general term for 'escapee' or 'runaway', which can include deserters but is not exclusively military. Use when context makes the military aspect clear.
The deserter was caught immediately.
A soldier who flees from combat or abandons their post during a fight.
Specifically a soldier who deserts in the face of the enemy. A serious offense under military law.
Deserters in the face of the enemy are severely punished.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'soldier who fled from the battlefield'. Not a fixed term, but clear in context.
A person who avoids compulsory military service, often by fleeing or hiding.
A person who abandons a duty, cause, or group, not necessarily military.
Means 'traitor' or 'betrayer'. Used when someone abandons a group or cause, often with a sense of betrayal.
He is a deserter who abandoned the party.
Means 'seceder' or 'person who withdraws' from an organization. Less emotionally charged than 裏切り者.
He is a deserter from the group.
脱走兵 is the standard term for a military deserter and is neutral. 逃亡兵 emphasizes the act of fleeing and can sound more dramatic or literary. In most contexts, 脱走兵 is preferred.
The deserter returned to his unit.
The fugitive soldier hid in the mountains.
In English, 'deserter' can be used figuratively for someone who abandons a cause or group. In Japanese, using 脱走兵 in such contexts would be unnatural. Use 裏切り者 or 脱退者 instead.
A soldier who flees from the battlefield is considered a deserter.
A more colloquial term for evading military service. Can be used as a noun or part of a phrase.
He left the country to avoid military service.