Translation guide
A soldier who fights on foot, typically as part of an infantry unit. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with 歩兵 (hohei), but other terms exist for historical or specific contexts.
A soldier in a modern army who fights on foot.
The standard term for an infantryman in modern military contexts. Neutral and widely understood.
彼は歩兵として入隊した。
He enlisted as an infantryman.
Used in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) for an infantry soldier. '普通科' means 'infantry branch'.
彼は陸上自衛隊の普通科隊員だ。
He is an infantryman in the Ground Self-Defense Force.
A foot soldier in pre-modern Japanese warfare, such as the Sengoku period.
Common foot soldiers in feudal Japan, often ashigaru. They were lower-ranking than samurai but formed the bulk of armies.
戦国時代、足軽は重要な戦力だった。
During the Warring States period, ashigaru were an important fighting force.
A term for common soldiers or low-ranking foot soldiers, often with a nuance of being poorly equipped or irregulars.
A soldier who fights on foot, without specifying modern or historical context.
Works for any era, but most natural for modern contexts. Can be used historically as well.
中世の歩兵は弓や槍で武装していた。
Medieval infantrymen were armed with bows and spears.
Literally 'soldier on foot'. A descriptive phrase, not a standard term. Use when you need to emphasize walking as opposed to mounted.
騎兵に対して、徒歩の兵士は不利だった。
Foot soldiers were at a disadvantage against cavalry.
雑兵たちは槍を持って戦った。
The common soldiers fought with spears.