Japanese word

兵士

Pronunciation

Romajiheishi

Meaning

  • nounsoldier

Example

兵士が町を守っています。hei shi ga machi o mamo tte i ma su

The soldier is protecting the town.

Illustration for 兵士 (soldier)

More examples

その兵士は任務の後で家族に電話します。so no hei shi wa nin mu no ato de ka zoku ni den wa shi ma su

The soldier calls his family after the mission.

Core concept

Describes an individual member of a military organization whose duties may include fighting, guarding, or training.

Common phrases

  • 兵士になるhei shi ni na ru

    become a soldier

  • 兵士を訓練するhei shi o kun ren su ru

    train soldiers

Similar words

軍人gunjin: A member of a nation's armed forces, whether serving in combat or another military role.
兵隊heitai: A common spoken term for a soldier, and sometimes for soldiers collectively.
戦士senshi: A person whose role is to fight in a war or battle.

Definition in Japanese

軍隊で戦闘や警備などの任務を担う人。gun tai de sen tō ya kei bi na do no nin mu o nina u hito

Word origin

兵士 (heishi) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 兵 (hei, "soldier") and 士 (shi, "warrior or professional person"), with both characters contributing to its military sense.

Usage tips

  • The English word soldier can also describe a person who continues working patiently for a cause, but 兵士 (heishi) normally has its literal military meaning.

Word lists with this word