How to say "combat" in Japanese

• 戦闘せんとうJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbCombat in the concrete sense of physical fighting, especially between military forces — the word you want for battle scenes and armed engagement.
  軍隊ぐんたいは戦闘せんとうの配置はいちで整列せいれつしていた。↗

  The troops were in battle array.
• 実戦じっせんCommon
  nounActual combat — real fighting as opposed to training or practice; it also covers 'action' and 'active service' in the military sense.
  おやおや。いかな体育たいいくの授業じゅぎょうといえど・・・真剣しんけん勝負しょうぶの意気込いきごみで臨のぞまなければ、いざ実戦じっせんと言いう時ときに役やくに立たちませんよ。↗

  Well, even if it is just P.E. class, if you don't take it seriously, it won't do you any good in a real match.
• 闘争とうそうCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbFight or combat in the sense of struggle and conflict — sustained contention between opposing groups or causes, often social or political; for physical, military combat it is seldom the word you want.
  彼かれは闘争とうそう本能ほんのうが強つよい。↗

  He is possessed of a strong fighting instinct.

Choose 戦闘 for combat as physical fighting, especially military; 実戦 when the emphasis is on actual, real-life fighting as opposed to training; and 闘争 for struggle or conflict, often social or political.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 戦闘せんとうbattle
• 実戦じっせんcombat
• 闘争とうそうfight
• コンバットcombat
• 兵馬へいばwar