Translation guide
The act of joining the military, or the period of service. In Japanese, the concept is expressed differently depending on whether you are talking about the act of joining, the state of being enlisted, or the system of conscription.
Expressing the action of enlisting or joining the armed forces.
The most common and general term for enlisting or joining the military. It can be used for both voluntary enlistment and conscription.
彼は18歳で自衛隊に入隊した。
He enlisted in the Self-Defense Forces at age 18.
A more colloquial way to say 'join the military'. Literally 'enter the army'.
若い頃、軍隊に入ろうと思ったことがある。
When I was young, I thought about joining the military.
Specifically refers to voluntary enlistment, as opposed to conscription. Often used in compounds like 志願兵 (volunteer soldier).
彼は志願して海軍に入った。
He volunteered for the navy.
Means 'application' or 'applying'. Can be used for enlisting when emphasizing the application process, similar to 'signing up'.
自衛官の募集に応募する。
Apply for enlistment in the Self-Defense Forces.
Referring to the duration or term of military service.
Refers to serving a term, especially in the context of military service or prison. For military, it implies the period of enlistment.
彼は2年間の服役を終えた。
He completed his two-year enlistment.
Specifically means military service, often used for the obligation or period of service. Common in discussions of conscription.
Means 'term of service' or 'tenure'. Can be used for a fixed enlistment period, especially in a professional military context.
Talking about the draft or compulsory military service system.
Conscription or draft. The system of compulsory enlistment.
徴兵制度は多くの国で廃止された。
The conscription system has been abolished in many countries.
Conscription system. A more formal term for the draft system.
入隊 is the general act of joining the military, regardless of voluntariness. 志願 emphasizes voluntary enlistment. 徴兵 refers to the system of conscription or being drafted. Use 入隊 for neutral statements about enlisting, 志願 when highlighting the voluntary aspect, and 徴兵 when discussing the draft system.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'enlistment'. Translating it directly as エンリストメント is not natural. Choose the appropriate term based on context.
韓国では兵役が義務付けられている。
In South Korea, military service is mandatory.
You can be discharged when your enlistment term ends.
Debate the pros and cons of the conscription system.