自衛|じえいjiei[0]heiban (flat)

JLPT N2approx.Common
Definitions
  1. 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.

Synonyms & antonyms
  • 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

Japanese definitions
  1. 自みずから有ゆうする手段しゅだんにより、自みずからを侵害しんがいから守まもること。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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