Translation guide
A military base is a facility directly owned and operated by the military. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 基地 (kichi). Depending on the branch, specific terms like 駐屯地 (chūtonchi) for army bases or 基地 (kichi) for air/naval bases are used. For U.S. bases in Japan, 米軍基地 (beigun kichi) is standard.
A facility owned and operated by a military force for operations, training, or logistics.
The most common and general term for any military base, including air, naval, or army bases. Used in news and everyday conversation.
その基地には多くの兵士が駐留している。
Many soldiers are stationed at that base.
新しい基地が建設された。
A new base was constructed.
Explicitly means 'military base'. Slightly more formal or technical, often used in geopolitical contexts.
その国は海外に軍事基地を持っている。
That country has military bases overseas.
Specifically a base used by the United States military within Japan.
The standard term for U.S. military bases in Japan. Often used in news and discussions about the U.S.-Japan alliance.
沖縄には多くの米軍基地がある。
There are many U.S. military bases in Okinawa.
A base specifically for ground forces (army).
Refers to a garrison or army base where troops are stationed. Used for Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) bases.
自衛隊の駐屯地を見学した。
I visited a Self-Defense Force garrison.
A base for military aircraft operations.
Specifically an air base. Often used for Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) bases.
その航空基地には戦闘機が配備されている。
Fighter jets are deployed at that air base.
Literally 'air force base'. Used for foreign air forces, especially the U.S. Air Force.
A base for naval vessels and operations.
Standard term for a naval base. Used for both Japanese and foreign navies.
横須賀は重要な海軍基地だ。
Yokosuka is an important naval base.
基地 (kichi) is the general term for any military base. 駐屯地 (chūtonchi) specifically refers to army/garrison bases, while 航空基地 (kōkū kichi) is for air bases. For naval bases, 海軍基地 (kaigun kichi) is used. When referring to U.S. bases in Japan, always use 米軍基地 (beigun kichi).
横田空軍基地は東京都にある。
Yokota Air Base is in Tokyo.