Translation guide
The concept of serving in the armed forces, whether as a career, a legal obligation, or a historical experience. Japanese expressions vary depending on whether you are talking about mandatory conscription, voluntary enlistment, or simply stating that someone served.
To express the idea of military service in a broad sense, such as 'He did his military service' or 'military service is mandatory'.
The most common and direct term for military service, especially in the context of conscription or mandatory service. It can refer to the system or the act of serving.
He finished his military service.
Military service is compulsory in this country.
Literally 'enter the military'. A natural way to say someone joined the armed forces, often used for voluntary enlistment.
He joined the military right after graduating high school.
A more formal expression meaning 'to take up military duties' or 'to serve in the military'. Suitable for written or official contexts.
He entered military service at a young age.
An old-fashioned, colloquial way to say 'go into the army' or 'become a soldier'. Often used in historical or rural contexts. Can sound rough or dated.
During the war, many young men went off to be soldiers.
To emphasize the compulsory nature of military service, such as in countries with a draft.
Refers specifically to conscription or the draft system. Often used in compounds like 徴兵制度 (conscription system).
He left the country to avoid conscription.
Passive form meaning 'to be drafted' or 'to be conscripted'. Natural when talking about an individual's experience.
He was drafted at age 18.
Means 'military service obligation'. Used in legal or formal discussions about the duty to serve.
To describe joining the military by choice, as a profession or long-term commitment.
Specifically for joining the Japan Self-Defense Forces. This is the natural way to say someone enlists in the JSDF.
My older brother joined the Self-Defense Forces after college.
Means 'to become a military person/soldier'. Can be used for any country's armed forces, implying a career choice.
I wanted to become a soldier since I was little.
To talk about the duration of military service, such as 'two years of service'.
To express being exempt from military service or avoiding it.
In contemporary Japan, military service is voluntary and the term 兵役 (conscription) is not used for joining the Self-Defense Forces. Use 自衛隊に入る or 自衛官になる instead. 兵役 is appropriate for countries with mandatory service or for historical contexts.
兵役 refers to the general concept of military service, while 徴兵 specifically means conscription or the draft. If you want to emphasize the compulsory aspect, use 徴兵. For neutral statements about serving, 兵役 is better.
He was exempted from military service because of his flat feet.
Military service is no longer compulsory in many countries.
Fulfilling military service obligations is a duty of citizens.
A 'career soldier' or 'professional military person'. Emphasizes the military as a lifelong profession rather than temporary service.
He served 30 years as a career soldier.
He evaded conscription by studying abroad.