Translation guide
The English word 'armor' refers to protective covering worn in battle. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 鎧 (yoroi), but there are several related terms depending on the type, material, and historical context. This guide covers the main Japanese words for armor, from general to specific, and includes useful phrases and cultural notes.
Referring to protective covering worn in combat, especially traditional Japanese armor.
The most common and general word for armor, especially traditional Japanese armor (samurai armor). Can also refer to armor in fantasy or historical contexts.
武士は鎧を着て戦った。
Samurai fought wearing armor.
この鎧はとても重い。
This armor is very heavy.
A more formal or literary term for armor, often used in historical or museum contexts. It encompasses both helmet (兜) and body armor (鎧).
博物館で甲冑を見学した。
I viewed armor at the museum.
A general term for protective gear, including modern sports equipment (e.g., kendo armor) or bulletproof vests. Not limited to historical armor.
剣道の防具をつける。
Put on kendo armor.
Refers to armor plating, especially on vehicles, tanks, or ships. A technical term.
戦車の装甲は厚い。
The tank's armor is thick.
Specifically referring to the helmet part of armor.
The traditional Japanese helmet, often worn with 鎧. Can also refer to helmets in general, including modern ones.
侍の兜には立派な飾りがついている。
The samurai's helmet has a magnificent crest.
Loanword for modern helmets (bicycle, construction, military). Not used for traditional samurai helmets.
Referring to a shield used for defense, often alongside armor.
The general word for shield. Can be used for historical, fantasy, or modern riot shields.
騎士は剣と盾を持っている。
The knight has a sword and shield.
Referring to modern protective vests, often bulletproof.
Bulletproof vest. チョッキ means vest/waistcoat. Commonly used in police/military contexts.
警察官は防弾チョッキを着用している。
Police officers wear bulletproof vests.
Using 'armor' in a figurative sense, such as emotional armor or armor of God.
Can be used metaphorically, similar to English. For example, 'emotional armor' or 'armor of God'.
彼は心の鎧を脱いだ。
He took off his emotional armor.
Specifically 'Armor of God' in Christian contexts. 武具 means arms/armor.
神の武具を身に着けなさい。
Put on the full armor of God.
鎧 (yoroi) is the everyday word for traditional armor. 甲冑 (katchū) is more formal and often used in historical writings or museums. 防具 (bōgu) is a broader term for any protective gear, including modern sports equipment.
鎧 (yoroi) typically refers to traditional body armor. For modern helmets, use ヘルメット (herumetto). For bulletproof vests, use 防弾チョッキ (bōdan chokki) or ボディアーマー (bodi āmā).
騎士は鎧を身に着けた。
The knight put on his armor.
この博物館には侍の鎧がたくさん展示されている。
This museum has a large collection of samurai armor.
現代の兵士はボディアーマーを着用する。
Modern soldiers wear body armor.
工事現場ではヘルメットをかぶってください。
Please wear a helmet at the construction site.
Loanword from English 'body armor'. Used for modern tactical vests, often in military or airsoft contexts.
特殊部隊はボディアーマーを装備している。
Special forces are equipped with body armor.