Translation guide
A soldier who fights on foot, typically as part of an infantry unit. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with 歩兵 (hohei), but other terms exist for historical or specific contexts.
A soldier in a modern army who fights on foot.
The standard term for an infantryman in modern military contexts. Neutral and widely understood.
He enlisted as an infantryman.
Used in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) for an infantry soldier. '普通科' means 'infantry branch'.
He is an infantryman in the Ground Self-Defense Force.
A foot soldier in pre-modern Japanese warfare, such as the Sengoku period.
Common foot soldiers in feudal Japan, often ashigaru. They were lower-ranking than samurai but formed the bulk of armies.
During the Warring States period, ashigaru were an important fighting force.
A term for common soldiers or low-ranking foot soldiers, often with a nuance of being poorly equipped or irregulars.
A soldier who fights on foot, without specifying modern or historical context.
Works for any era, but most natural for modern contexts. Can be used historically as well.
Medieval infantrymen were armed with bows and spears.
Literally 'soldier on foot'. A descriptive phrase, not a standard term. Use when you need to emphasize walking as opposed to mounted.
雑兵たちは槍を持って戦った。
The common soldiers fought with spears.
Foot soldiers were at a disadvantage against cavalry.