1.
Self-Defense Forces member; SDF personnel
A member of Japan's Self-Defense Forces (自衛隊) — the term used in place of 'soldier' for Japan's uniformed personnel.
兄は自衛官だ。
My older brother is an SDF member.
自衛官が被災地で救助活動を行った。
SDF personnel carried out rescue operations in the disaster area.
自衛官になるには、採用試験に合格しなければならない。
To become an SDF member, you must pass the recruitment examination.
A member of the 自衛隊 (Japan Self-Defense Forces). Because Japan's constitution renounces war, members are called 自衛官 rather than 兵士 (soldier).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 自衛官になる: to become an SDF member
- 現役自衛官: an active-duty SDF member
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 自衛隊: the Self-Defense Forces (the organization itself)
- 兵士: soldier — the general word, avoided for Japan's own forces