Translation guide
The branch of an army made up of soldiers trained to fight on foot. In Japanese, the most common term is 歩兵, but historical and modern military contexts may use different words.
infantry (military branch)
infantry (JGSDF)
Used in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
The general term for soldiers who fight on foot, as a branch of the military.
Standard term for infantry in modern and historical contexts. Can refer to the branch or individual soldiers.
He enlisted as an infantryman.
The infantry unit was sent to the front lines.
Used in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) to refer to the infantry branch. Literally 'ordinary division'.
Historical term for the infantry branch, especially in the Imperial Japanese Army. Now mostly used in historical contexts.
A single soldier who fights on foot.
Foot soldiers in pre-modern Japanese warfare, such as samurai-era ashigaru.
Common foot soldiers in feudal Japan, often armed with spears or matchlocks. Not exactly 'infantry' in the modern sense, but the closest historical equivalent.
Many foot soldiers were mobilized during the Warring States period.
Low-ranking foot soldiers or common soldiers in medieval Japan. Often used in historical or literary contexts.
歩兵 is the general term for infantry in any military context. 普通科 is specific to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and is not used for foreign militaries. When referring to the infantry of other countries, always use 歩兵.
U.S. Army infantry
Infantry specifically refers to foot soldiers. Do not use 歩兵 for mounted troops (騎兵) or artillery (砲兵).
自衛隊の普通科は歩兵に相当する。
The JGSDF's infantry branch corresponds to infantry.
He chose the infantry branch at the military academy.
He is an elite infantryman.
雑兵たちは戦場で使い捨てにされた。
The common soldiers were treated as expendable on the battlefield.