自衛|じえいjiei[0]heiban (flat)
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- suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verb, no-adjectiveself-defense; self-defence
Conjugation
| Dictionary form | 自衛する(じえいする) |
|---|---|
| Polite (masu) | 自衛します(じえいします) |
| Negative (nai) | 自衛しない(じえいしない) |
| polite (masen) | 自衛しません(じえいしません) |
| classical zu / nu | 自衛せず・自衛せぬ(じえいせず・じえいせぬ) |
| Past (ta) | 自衛した(じえいした) |
| polite (mashita) | 自衛しました(じえいしました) |
| Past negative (nakatta) | 自衛しなかった(じえいしなかった) |
| polite (masen deshita) | 自衛しませんでした(じえいしませんでした) |
| Te form | 自衛して(じえいして) |
| Potential | 自衛できる(じえいできる) |
| Passive | 自衛される(じえいされる) |
| Causative | 自衛させる(じえいさせる) |
| Causative passive | 自衛させられる(じえいさせられる) |
| Conditional (ba) | 自衛すれば(じえいすれば) |
| tara | 自衛したら(じえいしたら) |
| Volitional | 自衛しよう(じえいしよう) |
| polite (mashou) | 自衛しましょう(じえいしましょう) |
| Imperative | 自衛しろ(じえいしろ) |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
- Synonym護身ごしんNeutralProtecting yourself from harm, often in 「護身術」 for self-defense techniques; unlike 「自衛」, it does not extend to a nation defending itself.
- Synonym自己防衛じこぼうえいWrittenWritten term for self-defense, leaning toward legal or psychological contexts; 「自衛」 is more concise and also covers the national level.
- Synonym自己防御WrittenWritten, explanatory term for self-defense, leaning toward psychology or technical fields; not everyday speech.
- Related保身ほしんNeutralPreserving your own safety, honor, or position, often with a negative shade of self-serving caution; 「自衛」 is warding off outside harm.
- Antonym攻撃こうげきNeutralAttacking, whether physically or with criticism; the direct opposite of the defensive 「自衛」.
Use 「自衛」 for protecting yourself or your country, as in 「自衛隊」 or 「自衛策」. 「護身」 is personal protection, esp. 「護身術」; 「保身」 is self-serving self-preservation, usually critical; 「自己防御」/「自己防衛」 are written terms (psychology, law, technical); 「攻撃」 is the opposite.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only


