Translation guide
The English word 'reinforcement' covers several distinct ideas: making something stronger (physically or abstractly), providing extra support (like troops or materials), and psychological conditioning. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
To make a structure, material, argument, or feeling stronger or more resilient.
The most general and common word for strengthening or reinforcing something, used for physical objects, systems, abilities, policies, etc.
セキュリティを強化する必要がある。
We need to reinforce security.
筋力を強化するトレーニング
training to strengthen muscles
Specifically means reinforcing by adding something to compensate for a weakness, often used for physical structures, teams, or arguments.
橋の補強工事が行われている。
Reinforcement work on the bridge is being carried out.
チームを補強するために新しい選手を獲得した。
We acquired new players to reinforce the team.
Means to make something firm or solid; used for abstract things like determination or foundations, but less common than 強化.
決意を強固にした。
I reinforced my determination.
Sending more people, equipment, or supplies to support an existing effort, especially in military, emergency, or work contexts.
The standard word for reinforcements in a military or emergency context; sending additional personnel or resources.
増援を要請した。
We requested reinforcements.
消防隊の増援が到着した。
Reinforcements for the fire brigade arrived.
Specifically military reinforcements; additional troops sent to support an army.
Can mean reinforcements in a broad sense, but more commonly means cheering on or supporting someone. In work contexts, it can mean sending extra help.
In psychology, strengthening a behavior through rewards or punishments.
Also used in psychology for 'reinforcement' in operant conditioning. Often combined with 正の (positive) or 負の (negative).
正の強化によって行動を増やす。
Increase behavior through positive reinforcement.
Explicitly 'reinforcement through reward', used in technical contexts.
報酬による強化が学習を促進する。
Reinforcement through reward facilitates learning.
強化 (kyōka) is general strengthening, while 補強 (hokyō) implies adding something to fix a weakness. Use 補強 for patching up or supplementing, and 強化 for overall improvement.
When you mean sending extra people as support, use 増援 or 応援, not 強化. 強化 would mean making the existing people stronger, not adding more.
援軍が来るまで持ちこたえろ。
Hold out until reinforcements arrive.
忙しいので、他の部署から応援を頼んだ。
We're busy, so we asked for reinforcements from another department.