Translation guide
The English word 'army' refers to a large organized military force, typically for land warfare. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 陸軍 (rikugun) for a national army, but other terms exist depending on context, such as 軍隊 (guntai) for armed forces in general, or 軍 (gun) as a suffix. This guide covers how to express 'army' naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a country's official army, especially in historical or formal contexts.
The standard term for a national army, particularly in historical contexts like the Imperial Japanese Army. Still used for some modern armies.
彼は陸軍に入隊した。
He joined the army.
The official name for Japan's post-war army, the Ground Self-Defense Force. Use this when specifically referring to Japan's army.
陸上自衛隊は災害救助にも出動する。
The army (Ground Self-Defense Force) is also deployed for disaster relief.
Means 'national army' or 'armed forces of a country'. Used for countries other than Japan.
その国の国軍は強力だ。
That country's army is powerful.
Referring to military forces collectively, not necessarily just land forces.
General term for armed forces, military. Can refer to army, navy, air force collectively.
軍隊が国境に集結している。
The army is massing at the border.
Often used as a suffix or in compounds to mean 'army' or 'military'. Can stand alone in some contexts.
彼は軍の将校だ。
He is an army officer.
Figurative use meaning a large number of people or things.
Literally 'large army', used figuratively for a large crowd or swarm.
観客の大群がスタジアムに押し寄せた。
An army of spectators flooded into the stadium.
Pattern meaning 'a crowd of ~' or 'a swarm of ~'. Not specifically military, but conveys a large group.
アリの群れが食べ物にたかっている。
An army of ants is swarming over the food.
陸軍 (rikugun) specifically means 'land army', while 軍隊 (guntai) is a broader term for 'military forces' including navy and air force. Use 陸軍 when you need to distinguish from other branches.
陸軍と海軍の協力が必要だ。
Cooperation between the army and navy is necessary.
Japan's post-war constitution renounces war, so its military is officially called 自衛隊 (Jieitai, Self-Defense Forces). The army branch is 陸上自衛隊 (Rikujō Jieitai). Using 陸軍 for Japan's current forces can be politically sensitive or historically inaccurate. For modern Japan, use 陸上自衛隊.
陸上自衛隊の演習が行われた。
An army (GSDF) exercise was conducted.