Translation guide
A piece of armor covering the chest. In modern contexts, it can also refer to a protective chest piece in sports or a ceremonial garment.
The metal or leather chest piece of a suit of armor.
General term for a chest protector or breastplate, used in historical armor contexts.
A padded or hard chest protector worn in sports like baseball, fencing, or martial arts.
A decorated chest piece worn by a high priest or as part of regalia.
The English word 'breastplate' covers armor, sports gear, and ceremonial items. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 胸当て (むねあて), but depending on the context, more specific terms like プロテクター or 胸甲 may be better. Avoid using 胸当て for modern bulletproof vests; use 防弾チョッキ (ぼうだんちょっき) instead.
騎士は胸当てをつけていた。
The knight was wearing a breastplate.
Specifically refers to a cuirass or breastplate as part of a full suit of armor. More technical term.
その胸甲は鋼鉄でできている。
The breastplate is made of steel.
Refers to torso armor in general, including breastplate and backplate. Used in descriptions of samurai armor.
彼の胴鎧には家紋が彫られていた。
His breastplate was engraved with the family crest.
Loanword from English 'protector', commonly used for chest protectors in sports.
キャッチャーはプロテクターを着用する。
The catcher wears a chest protector.
Explicitly 'chest protector', used when distinction from other protectors is needed.
フェンシングでは胸プロテクターが必須です。
In fencing, a chest protector is mandatory.
Also used for sports chest protectors, especially in traditional martial arts like kendo.
剣道の胸当ては竹でできていることもある。
Kendo breastplates are sometimes made of bamboo.
Can be used for a ceremonial breastplate, though context is needed to distinguish from armor.
大祭司は宝石のついた胸当てを身に着けていた。
The high priest wore a breastplate adorned with jewels.
Phrase specifying 'priest's breastplate', often used in biblical contexts.
祭司の胸当てには十二の宝石がはめ込まれていた。
The priest's breastplate had twelve jewels set into it.