Translation guide
The act of protecting oneself from harm. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 護身 (ごしん) or the phrase 自己防衛 (じこぼうえい). The choice depends on context: 護身 is typical for personal safety techniques, while 自己防衛 is broader and can be used in legal or abstract contexts.
Referring to techniques or actions to protect oneself from physical attack.
The most common term for self-defense in the context of personal safety and martial arts. Often used in compounds like 護身術 (self-defense techniques).
I'm learning self-defense techniques.
You need to be careful about self-defense on the streets at night.
Literally 'self-defense'. Broader than 護身, can be used in legal, psychological, or abstract contexts. Less common for physical techniques.
I learn self-defense techniques for self-protection.
A verb phrase meaning 'to protect oneself'. More natural in spoken Japanese than 自己防衛する.
I instinctively defended myself.
Referring to self-defense as a legal concept or justification for actions.
Protecting one's mental or emotional well-being.
護身 is for physical self-defense techniques and personal safety. 自己防衛 is a broader term covering any self-protection, including psychological. 正当防衛 is the specific legal term for justifiable self-defense.
When talking about learning self-defense moves, 護身術 is the natural choice. 自己防衛術 sounds unnatural.
It exceeds the scope of self-defense.