Translation guide
The English word "veteran" can refer to a former member of the armed forces, or to a person with long experience in a particular field. Japanese uses different words for these meanings, and the military sense requires careful handling due to differences in how military service is viewed.
Referring to someone who served in the military, especially in the context of their service or post-service life.
The standard, neutral term for a military veteran. It literally means 'retired military person'. Suitable for formal and general use.
He is a veteran.
There are support systems for veterans.
Literally 'former military person'. More casual and direct than 退役軍人. Often used in news or conversation.
I listened to a veteran's story.
Loanword from English, but in Japanese it almost exclusively means 'experienced person' in a non-military context. Using it for a military veteran can cause confusion. Only use if the context clearly indicates military experience and you want a casual, borrowed term.
Usually means 'experienced person' in a job or skill, not a former soldier.
He's a military veteran. (possible but ambiguous)
Referring to someone who has a lot of experience in a profession, activity, or skill.
The most common and natural way to say 'veteran' in the sense of an experienced person. Used widely for jobs, sports, arts, etc.
He is a veteran of this industry.
Means 'skilled person' or 'expert'. Emphasizes proficiency gained through experience. More formal than ベテラン.
Refers to a senior member or old-timer in a group or organization. Often used in workplace or military contexts to denote someone who has been there a long time, not necessarily highly skilled.
Describes someone seasoned and shrewd through long experience. Often used as an adjective (老練な). Somewhat literary.
Do not use ベテラン to mean a former soldier unless the context is very clear. The default meaning of ベテラン is 'experienced person'. For military veterans, use 退役軍人 or 元軍人.
Veterans Day
退役軍人 is the formal, official term. 元軍人 is more casual and direct. Both are acceptable, but 退役軍人 is preferred in official contexts.
He is a Vietnam veteran.
She's a veteran teacher with 30 years of experience.
A veteran actor stars in it.
熟練者の技術は素晴らしい。
The skills of a veteran are wonderful.
He is a veteran employee of the company.
老練な政治家
a veteran politician