砦・塁・寨|とりでtoride[0]heiban (flat)
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Which spelling to use
砦砦 is the most common written form and the recommended default for beginners. Use it when writing this word.
塁塁 is a rarely used alternative written in kanji. Learners will seldom see it, so use 砦 instead when writing this word.
寨寨 is a rarely used alternative written in kanji. Learners will seldom see it, so use 砦 instead when writing this word.
Definitions
- nounfort; fortress; stronghold; fortification
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym要塞ようさいWrittenWritten/formal. A large, solidly built military fortress; 「砦」 is typically a smaller stronghold, and can also figuratively mean a last line of defense, as in 「最後の砦」.
- Related防塞ぼうさいWrittenWritten/formal. A fort or defensive position; rare even in written prose, with a military flavor.
- Related防塁ぼうるいWrittenWritten/formal. Defensive works made by piling up earth and stone, e.g. the 「元寇防塁」; the emphasis is on the earthen construction.
Use 「砦」 for a small defensive stronghold or, figuratively, a last line of defense, as in 「最後の砦」 and 「山の砦」. For a large military fortress say 「要塞」; for works built of piled earth and stone, 「防塁」. 「防塞」 is rare.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also
