also: ざっぴょう
common soldier; private; rank and file
Historical term for low-ranking soldiers in feudal armies; not used for modern military ranks.
During the Warring States period, common soldiers were made to fight on the front lines.
Figurative extension: a person of low status or little importance in an organization.
He's still just an underling, so he doesn't get a chance to speak up in meetings.
雑兵 refers to ordinary rank-and-file soldiers, the opposite of the handpicked, highly skilled troops described by 精鋭.
Standard kanji form for both senses.
Rare alternate reading; lists it but it is not commonly used.
Compound of 雑 (zō, 'miscellaneous' or 'low-grade') and 兵 (hyō, 'soldier'). The reading ざっぴょう is a rare variant.