Translation guide
The English word 'war' refers to large-scale armed conflict. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 戦争 (sensō), but other terms exist for specific types of conflict, historical wars, or metaphorical uses. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on context.
war (general)
war (metaphorical struggle)
Use with the thing being fought.
Referring to a state of open, armed conflict, typically between countries or large organized groups.
The general term for 'war'. Used for both historical and modern conflicts. Neutral and widely understood.
World War II was a big war.
Means 'battle' or 'fight'. Can refer to a specific battle or a broader struggle, including metaphorical ones. Less formal than 戦争.
An older, somewhat literary term for war or battle. Often used in historical contexts or traditional expressions.
Referring to a particular historical war by name.
Attach the name of the war before 戦争. This is the standard way to name wars.
Using 'war' figuratively to describe an intense, organized effort against something.
Literally 'fight against ~'. The most natural way to express a metaphorical war or struggle.
Referring to the legal or diplomatic state of war.
Means 'state of war'. Used in formal or legal contexts.
Specifically a war within a country.
戦争 (sensō) is the formal, general term for war between nations. 戦い (tatakai) is broader, covering battles, fights, and metaphorical struggles. Use 戦争 for large-scale armed conflict, and 戦い for specific battles or personal struggles.
The war ended.
戦争は多くの犠牲者を出す。
War produces many casualties.
この戦いは長く続いた。
This battle continued for a long time.
He won his battle with cancer.
The age of war ended.
the Pacific War
the Vietnam War
Used for 'Great War' or 'World War'. Typically for large-scale global conflicts.
the war on drugs
The war on poverty continues.
Means 'eradication campaign'. Often used for official or organized efforts, like 'war on drugs' or 'war on crime'.
The government intensified the war on drugs.
The two countries are in a state of war.
Means 'currently engaged in war' or 'at war'. Often used in news reports.
That country is at war with its neighbor.
The standard term for 'civil war'.
The country was devastated by civil war.
Also means 'civil war' or 'internal disturbance', but can imply rebellion or insurrection.
A civil war broke out.
これは正義のための戦いだ。
This is a fight for justice.
English uses 'war' in many metaphors (e.g., price war, bidding war). Direct translation with 戦争 often sounds unnatural. Instead, use 競争 (competition) or 合戦 (battle, often in compounds).