Translation guide
The English word "reinforcements" can refer to additional troops, extra personnel, or things that strengthen something. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
Additional troops or military support sent to strengthen a force.
The most common and direct word for military reinforcements. Used in both historical and modern contexts.
Reinforcements have arrived.
They requested reinforcements.
Often used in military or police contexts, emphasizing the addition of forces. Slightly more formal than 援軍.
Reinforcement troops were sent to the front line.
Can mean reinforcements, but more broadly means support or backing. In military contexts, it implies sending help.
We need reinforcements.
Extra people sent to assist in non-military situations, such as work, emergencies, or events.
The most versatile word for extra help or support, from coworkers to emergency services.
We're busy, so please call for reinforcements.
Specifically means increasing the number of personnel. Often used in business or organizational contexts.
A casual, slightly slangy term for a helper or extra hand, often used in sports or informal work settings.
Things that make an object, structure, or argument stronger.
Used for physical reinforcement (e.g., of a building) or strengthening an argument/team.
The wall needs reinforcements.
His testimony provided reinforcements for our argument.
Means strengthening or reinforcement in a broad sense, often used for abilities, systems, or materials.
援軍 is strictly military. 応援 is broader and can be used for any kind of support, including cheering. 増援 is formal and often used in official reports or news.
The English plural 'reinforcements' is often expressed with singular or non-count nouns in Japanese. Avoid directly translating the plural form.
Firefighter reinforcements arrived.
プロジェクトのために増員を要請した。
We requested reinforcements (more staff) for the project.
助っ人が来てくれて助かった。
We were saved when reinforcements (helpers) came.
We need reinforcements in security.