Japanese word

自衛隊

Pronunciation

Romajijieitai

Meaning

  • nounJapan Self-Defense Forces

Example

自衛隊は国を守る仕事をしています。ji ei tai wa kuni o mamo ru shi goto o shi te i ma su

The Self-Defense Forces work to protect the country.

Illustration for 自衛隊 (Japan Self-Defense Forces)

More examples

災害が起きると、自衛隊は被災地で支援活動を行っています。sai gai ga o ki ru to ji ei tai wa hi sai chi de shi en katsu dō o okona tte i ma su

When a disaster occurs, the Japan Self-Defense Forces carry out relief activities in the affected areas.

Core concept

Refers to Japan's national defense organization, which protects the country under a self-defense mandate.

Common phrases

  • 自衛隊に入るji ei tai ni hai ru

    join the Japan Self-Defense Forces

  • 自衛隊で働くji ei tai de hatara ku

    work for the Japan Self-Defense Forces

  • 自衛隊の隊員ji ei tai no tai in

    member of the Japan Self-Defense Forces

Definition in Japanese

日本の防衛を任務とし、国を守るために活動する組織。nihon no bō ei o nin mu to shi kuni o mamo ru ta me ni katsu dō su ru so shiki

Word origin

自衛隊 (Jieitai) combines 自衛 (jiei, "self-defense") and 隊 (tai, "group or force"), forming a name for a force organized for national defense.

Usage tips

  • In English, the organization is commonly abbreviated as the JSDF, and its name covers land, maritime, and air branches.

Word lists with this word