Translation guide
Fighting at very short range, often hand-to-hand or with melee weapons. Japanese distinguishes between armed and unarmed close combat, and between military and martial arts contexts.
Fighting at close quarters, especially in a military or combat scenario, including both armed and unarmed.
The most common and general term for close combat in military or combat contexts. Can refer to both armed and unarmed fighting at close range.
敵との接近戦になった。
We got into close combat with the enemy.
接近戦ではナイフが有効だ。
In close combat, a knife is effective.
Specifically refers to hand-to-hand combat or melee combat, often with bayonets, swords, or other melee weapons. More traditional military term.
白兵戦の訓練を受けた。
I received training in close combat.
A more formal or technical term for close-quarters combat, used in military manuals or reports.
近接戦闘の技術を磨く。
Hone close combat skills.
Fighting without weapons, using only the body.
General term for hand-to-hand fighting, grappling, or brawling. Can be used in sports, self-defense, or combat contexts.
彼は格闘技の達人だ。
He is a master of hand-to-hand combat.
兵士たちは格闘訓練を行った。
The soldiers conducted hand-to-hand combat training.
Specifically unarmed combat, emphasizing 'empty hands'. Often used in military or police contexts.
徒手格闘の訓練は厳しい。
Unarmed combat training is tough.
Refers to unarmed combat techniques, often in the context of traditional martial arts or ninjutsu.
Tactical close combat in urban or confined spaces, often with firearms.
Used in modern military contexts for Close Quarters Battle (CQB) or Close Quarters Combat (CQC).
特殊部隊は近接戦闘のエキスパートだ。
The special forces are experts in close combat.
The English acronym CQB (Close Quarters Battle) is commonly used in Japanese military and tactical contexts.
CQBの訓練を積む。
Undergo CQB training.
Fighting at close range within a martial arts context, often emphasizing infighting or clinch work.
Also used in martial arts to describe close-range fighting, such as in boxing or MMA.
ボクシングでは接近戦が得意だ。
He is good at close combat in boxing.
Loanword from English 'infight', used in boxing and martial arts for close-range fighting.
Traditional Japanese term for grappling or close combat, often in samurai contexts.
接近戦 is the most general term for close combat, including both armed and unarmed. 白兵戦 specifically refers to melee combat with weapons like bayonets or swords, and has a more traditional military feel.
現代戦では接近戦は避けられない。
In modern warfare, close combat is unavoidable.
白兵戦は第一次世界大戦で多かった。
Close combat with bayonets was common in World War I.
格闘 implies unarmed fighting. If weapons are involved, use 接近戦 or 白兵戦 instead.
接近戦で銃剣を使う。
Use a bayonet in close combat.
The ninja's unarmed combat skills are amazing.
彼はインファイトに持ち込んだ。
He took it to close combat.
Polish close combat techniques.