1.
weapon, arms
An instrument used for attacking or defending in combat.
武器を捨てろ！
Drop your weapon!
核武器の廃絶を訴える。
To advocate for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
核武器 = nuclear weapons
この国は武器の輸出を禁止している。
This country prohibits the export of weapons.
2.
asset, strength (figurative)
Something used as a means to achieve a goal or gain advantage.
彼女の武器は語学力だ。
Her asset is her language ability.
Figurative usage
笑顔を武器にして営業の仕事をしている。
I use my smile as a weapon in my sales job.
武器にする = to use as one's weapon/advantage
若さと体力は大きな武器になるから、今のうちにいろいろ挑戦したほうがいい。
Youth and physical strength are great assets, so you should try various things while you can.
Figurative usage
USAGE: 武器 can refer to physical weapons or figuratively to personal strengths or advantages.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 武器を持つ (to carry a weapon)
- 武器を使う (to use a weapon)
- 武器にする (to use as a weapon/advantage)
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 核武器 (nuclear weapons)
- 化学武器 (chemical weapons)
- 生物武器 (biological weapons)
- 武器庫 (armory)