Japanese word

兵

Pronunciation

Romajihei

Meaning

  • nounsoldier

Example

三人の兵が門を守りました。san nin no hei ga mon o mamo ri ma shi ta

Three soldiers guarded the gate.

Illustration for 兵 (soldier)

More examples

物語の中で、若い兵が家族を思い出しています。monogatari no naka de waka i hei ga ka zoku o omo i da shi te i ma su

In the story, a young soldier is thinking of his family.

Core concept

Describes an individual whose role is to serve in an organized military force.

Common phrases

  • 兵を送るhei o oku ru

    send soldiers

  • 兵を集めるhei o atsu me ru

    gather soldiers

  • 兵として働くhei to shi te hatara ku

    work as a soldier

Similar words

兵士heishi: A person whose job is to serve in the military.
軍人gunjin: A member of the military whose duties may include combat, command, or support.
兵隊heitai: A member of the armed forces referred to in casual everyday speech.

Definition in Japanese

軍隊で戦う役目をする人。gun tai de tataka u yaku me o su ru hito

Word origin

The word 兵 (hei, "soldier") is a Sino-Japanese borrowing based on the Chinese character 兵, which denotes a soldier and, by extension, military power.

Usage tips

  • The word often gives a formal or literary tone, so everyday conversation may use a more specific expression for the person being discussed.

Opposites

  • 民間人minkanjinciviliannoun

Word lists with this word