Translation guide
Describes a person or action without weapons. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific adjectives, verbs, or set phrases depending on whether you mean 'weaponless', 'bare-handed', or 'unarmed combat'.
He was unarmed.
The police announced that the suspect was unarmed.
Means 'unarmed' or 'demilitarized', often used in formal, political, or military contexts (e.g., unarmed civilians, unarmed zone).
Unarmed civilians were attacked.
Literally 'bare waist', meaning completely unarmed, without even a sword. Historically used for samurai, now used idiomatically to mean defenseless or unprepared.
It's reckless to confront the enemy unarmed.
To emphasize using only one's body, no weapons or tools.
Means 'bare hands'. Often used in phrases like 素手で (with bare hands). Implies no weapons or tools.
He fought the bear unarmed.
Formal/literary term for 'empty-handed' or 'unarmed'. Often seen in martial arts contexts or set phrases like 徒手空拳 (bare hands and empty fists).
Referring to fighting styles or techniques that do not use weapons.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'combat without using weapons'. Clear and straightforward.
In this training, we learn unarmed combat.
Technical term for 'unarmed combat' or 'hand-to-hand fighting'. Used in military or martial arts contexts.
Refers to unarmed martial arts techniques (as opposed to weapon techniques). Often used in ninja or traditional martial arts contexts.
English uses 'unarmed' as a simple adjective, but Japanese often requires a phrase like 武器を持っていない (not carrying a weapon) or a specific noun like 非武装. Avoid trying to create a single adjective equivalent.
He was unarmed.
Don't touch it with your bare hands.
He succeeded unarmed (i.e., starting with nothing).
The soldiers received unarmed combat training.
忍者の体術は武器を使わない。
Ninja taijutsu is unarmed.