Learn Japanese while reading Manga with our new Manga Reader Tool!

Nihongo

Classroom

How to say 'Self defense' in Japanese | 自衛

Wondering how to say 'Self defense' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Self defense is 'Jiei', written as 自衛 in Japanese.'Self defense' in hiragana is じえい.

    word

    自衛

    Meaning

    Self defense

    Reading

    じえい

    jiei

    Kanji

    自Self 衛Protect, Defense

    Explanation

    The Japanese noun '自衛 (じえい)' means 'self-defense'. It refers to the act of protecting oneself from harm or danger, often used in contexts related to personal safety, military defense, or legal rights. For example: self-defense is a basic human right「自衛は基本的な人権です」(じえいはきほんてきなじんけんです). The country strengthened its self-defense capabilities「その国は自衛能力を強化した」(そのくにはじえいのうりょくをきょうかした). This term is commonly used in discussions about national security, martial arts, or personal safety measures.

    Part Of Speech

    noun

    Kanji JLPT

    N1

    Kanji Grade

    5

    Frequency

    3349

    Composition

    kanji

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 自衛

This word contains 2 kanji characters:

  • kanji

    自

    Meaning

    Self

  • kanji

    衛

    Meaning

    Protect, Defense

Words Related to 自衛 Through the Kanji 自

These 32 Words contain the Kanji 自 as well.

  • word

    自分

    Meaning

    Self

  • word

    自転車

    Meaning

    Bicycle

  • word

    自身

    Meaning

    Self

  • word

    自己

    Meaning

    Self

  • word

    自動

    Meaning

    Automatic

  • word

    自体

    Meaning

    Itself

  • word

    自動車

    Meaning

    Car

  • word

    自然

    Meaning

    Natural, Nature

  • word

    自習

    Meaning

    Self study

  • word

    自由

    Meaning

    Freedom, Liberty

  • word

    自治

    Meaning

    Autonomy

  • word

    自信

    Meaning

    Confidence

  • word

    自炊

    Meaning

    Cooking

  • word

    自宅

    Meaning

    Home

  • word

    自転

    Meaning

    Rotation

  • word

    独自

    Meaning

    Unique, Independent

  • word

    自覚

    Meaning

    Awareness

  • word

    各自

    Meaning

    Each

  • word

    自然に

    Meaning

    Naturally

  • word

    自立

    Meaning

    Independence

  • word

    自主的

    Meaning

    Voluntary

  • word

    自然科学

    Meaning

    Natural science

  • word

    自殺

    Meaning

    Suicide

  • word

    自衛隊

    Meaning

    Self Defense Forces

  • word

    自主

    Meaning

    Independence

  • word

    自慢

    Meaning

    Boast

  • word

    自我

    Meaning

    Ego

  • word

    自ら

    Meaning

    Oneself

  • word

    不自然

    Meaning

    Unnatural

  • word

    不自由

    Meaning

    Discomfort

  • word

    自国

    Meaning

    Home country

  • word

    自社

    Meaning

    Own company

Words Related to 自衛 Through the Kanji 衛

These 5 Words contain the Kanji 衛 as well.

  • word

    衛生的

    Meaning

    Sanitary

  • word

    自衛隊

    Meaning

    Self Defense Forces

  • word

    衛生

    Meaning

    Hygiene

  • word

    衛星

    Meaning

    Satellite

  • word

    防衛

    Meaning

    Defense

Learn the Word 自衛

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Jiei' (自衛) mean?

'Jiei' means 'Self defense' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.