Japanese Conversation · Level 120
60 words
Japanese word
国防
Pronunciation
Romajikokubō
Meaning
- nounnational defense
Example
政府は国防を強化します。sei fu wa koku bō o kyō ka shi ma su
The government strengthens national defense.
More examples
政府は国防について国会で議論を続けています。sei fu wa koku bō ni tsu i te kok kai de gi ron o tsuzu ke te i ma su
The government continues to discuss national defense in the Diet.
Core concept
Centers on a country's organized effort to remain safe and sovereign when faced with threats from outside.
Common phrases
国防を強化するkoku bō o kyō ka su ru
strengthen national defense
国防を担うkoku bō o nina u
be responsible for national defense
Similar words
防衛bōei: The protection of a person, place, or state against attack or other harm.
Definition in Japanese
外国からの攻撃や脅威に対して、国家の安全と独立を守ること。gai koku ka ra no kō geki ya kyō i ni tai shi te kok ka no an zen to doku ritsu o mamo ru ko to
Word origin
国防 (kokubō) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 国 (koku, "country") and 防 (bō, "defense"), whose combined meaning is the defense of a country.
Usage tips
- In English, national defense is normally an uncountable policy term, and 国防 (kokubō) has the same formal, institutional tone rather than a casual meaning of personal self-protection.