Translation guide
In Japanese, 'world war' is most commonly expressed as 世界大戦 (sekai taisen), literally 'world great war'. This is the standard term for the World Wars. For 'World War I' and 'World War II', specific names are used. The concept can also be expressed in more descriptive or literary ways.
Referring to a global-scale war, especially the two 20th-century conflicts.
Standard term for 'world war'. Used in historical and formal contexts.
第一次世界大戦は1914年に始まった。
World War I began in 1914.
世界大戦の惨禍を繰り返してはならない。
We must not repeat the devastation of world war.
More descriptive phrase meaning 'global-scale war'. Can be used for hypothetical or future conflicts.
次の世界的な戦争は核戦争になるだろう。
The next world war will probably be a nuclear war.
Specifically referring to the First World War.
Official and most common name for World War I.
第一次世界大戦はヨーロッパを中心に戦われた。
World War I was fought mainly in Europe.
Specifically referring to the Second World War.
Official and most common name for World War II.
第二次世界大戦は1945年に終結した。
World War II ended in 1945.
Referring to a potential future global conflict.
Standard term for a hypothetical World War III.
第三次世界大戦が起これば、人類は滅亡するかもしれない。
If World War III breaks out, humanity might perish.
世界大戦 is a fixed historical term for the World Wars. 世界的な戦争 is a descriptive phrase meaning 'a war on a global scale' and can be used for any large-scale conflict, including hypothetical ones. Use 世界大戦 when referring to the specific historical events.
In historical contexts, 第一次世界大戦 is often shortened to 第一次大戦, and 第二次世界大戦 to 第二次大戦. These are common in written Japanese.
Abbreviated form, common in historical texts.
第一次大戦後、国際連盟が設立された。
After World War I, the League of Nations was established.
Abbreviated form, common in historical texts.
第二次大戦中、多くの民間人が犠牲になった。
During World War II, many civilians became victims.
Refers specifically to the Pacific theater of WWII, often used in Japanese contexts to refer to the war with the US and Allies.
太平洋戦争は1941年に始まった。
The Pacific War began in 1941.