Translation guide
The concept of military power can be expressed in Japanese through several nouns and phrases, depending on whether you mean the abstract strength of a nation, the concrete armed forces, or military might in a geopolitical sense.
To refer to the overall power, strength, or capability of a military, often in a geopolitical or comparative context.
The most common and neutral term for 'military power' as an abstract concept, encompassing military strength, capability, and potential.
その国の軍事力は急速に増大している。
That country's military power is rapidly increasing.
軍事力の均衡が重要だ。
A balance of military power is important.
Often refers to military strength in terms of troop numbers or manpower, but can also mean overall military force.
敵の兵力は我々を上回っている。
The enemy's military power outnumbers ours.
Refers to armed force or military might, often with a nuance of physical force or coercion. Can be used in contexts like 'use of military power'.
問題を武力で解決しようとしてはならない。
We must not try to solve problems by military power.
To refer to the military as an institution or the actual armed forces of a country.
The general term for 'military' or 'armed forces'. It refers to the organization itself rather than abstract power.
彼は軍隊に入った。
He joined the military.
A shorter, more formal term for 'military' or 'army', often used in compounds or news reports.
軍の近代化が進んでいる。
The modernization of the military is progressing.
To discuss military power in the context of international relations, deterrence, or hard power.
Again, 軍事力 is the standard term in political and strategic discourse.
その国は軍事力を背景に交渉を進めた。
That country advanced negotiations backed by military power.
A loanword from English used in academic or political science contexts to mean 'hard power' (military and economic power).
軍事力 is the broadest term for military power as a concept. 兵力 often emphasizes troop strength or numbers. 武力 implies armed force and can carry a nuance of violence or coercion. Use 軍事力 for most general contexts.
ハードパワーだけでは国際問題は解決できない。
International issues cannot be solved by hard power alone.