Translation and Meaning of: 兵士 - heishi

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 兵士 (heishi) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: heishi

Kana: へいし

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n1

兵士

Translation / Meaning: Soldier

Meaning in English: soldier

Definition: A fighter who belongs to the army.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (兵士) heishi

The word 「兵士」 (heishi) is a Japanese term that refers to "soldier" or "military." It is composed of two kanji: 「兵」 (hei), which means "soldier" or "war," and 「士」 (shi), which means "man" or "warrior." Together, these two characters form an expression that denotes an individual trained for combat or military activities.

The etymology of kanjis provides an interesting perspective on the origin and meaning of the word. The kanji 「兵」 is often associated with terms related to war and battle, reflecting the military nature of the expression. On the other hand, the kanji 「士」 is used in words that denote a certain dignity or importance, often applied to professions or titles, such as in 「武士」 (bushi), which means "samurai," translating to a connotation of professionalism and honor associated with soldiers.

Historically, the word 「兵士」 refers to ancient times in Japan, where warriors were prominent figures in feudal societies, especially during the samurai periods. While the samurai were a distinct class, the term 「兵士」 is more general and encompasses any individual acting in a military capacity, also reflecting modern soldiers. Today, 「兵士」 is a word widely used to refer to members of the armed forces, both in historical and current contexts.

In addition to its literal meaning, the term can also appear in cultural and entertainment contexts, such as in movies, series, and games that explore military themes. Thus, although 「兵士」 (heishi) retains its classical meaning, its usage may vary depending on the context, ranging from historical soldiers to fictional characters in war settings.

Synonyms and similar words

戦士 (senshi) - Warrior, a person who fights in a battle, usually associated with a heroic spirit.
軍人 (gunjin) - Soldier, a person who serves in the armed forces of a country.
兵隊 (heitai) - Soldier, the most common term that refers to a member of the army.
兵員 (heiin) - Military forces or military personnel, usually used in an organizational context.
軍兵 (gunpei) - Armed forces refer collectively to the soldiers and their units.
兵力 (heiryoku) - Military power or effectiveness refers to the quantity and capability of armed forces.