Translation guide
The English word 'military' can refer to armed forces, military affairs, or describe things related to the armed forces. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether you mean the institution, the personnel, or the adjective.
Referring to a country's army, navy, air force, etc. as a whole.
General term for military forces, troops. Can refer to any nation's military.
He joined the military.
That country has a powerful military.
Often used in compounds or formal contexts. Can mean 'army' or 'military'.
The military budget increased.
Specifically Japan's Self-Defense Forces. Not used for other countries' militaries.
The Self-Defense Forces also deploy for disaster relief.
Abstract concept of military power, strategy, or the military domain.
Refers to military affairs, military matters. Used in contexts like military spending, military technology, military strategy.
Military spending is straining the national budget.
Military exercises were conducted.
Adjectival form meaning 'military' (as in military action, military solution).
Describing something as belonging to or used by the military.
Simple possessive form: 'military's' or 'of the military'. Used for military bases, personnel, equipment, etc.
The military base was attacked.
Military vehicles are driving on the road.
Specifically 'for military use', emphasizing purpose rather than ownership.
This is a military drone.
軍隊 (ぐんたい) refers to the actual armed forces (people, units). 軍事 (ぐんじ) refers to military affairs as a concept (policy, technology, spending). Use 軍隊 for 'the military' as an organization, and 軍事 for 'military' as an abstract noun or adjective in compounds.
The loanword ミリタリー is used mainly in fashion (military style) or as a trendy term, not for serious military matters. Avoid using it to translate 'military' in news or formal contexts.
軍事的な解決は避けるべきだ。
A military solution should be avoided.