軍人（ぐんじん、gunjiん）
- soldier

The Japanese word 軍人 (ぐんじん, *gunjin*) translates to "soldier," "military personnel," or "serviceman/woman" in English. It refers to an individual who is a member of a military force, such as the army, navy, air force, or marine corps. These individuals are typically employed by a government to defend the country, engage in warfare, or perform other military duties. The term encompasses all ranks, from enlisted personnel to officers. The meaning of 軍人 is closely tied to their commitment to protect the nation and to follow the rules and commands of their superiors.

⚫︎ あの軍人は勇敢だった。 Translation: That soldier was brave. ⚫︎ 彼は長年軍人として国に仕えた。 Translation: He served the country as a soldier for many years. ⚫︎ 彼女は軍人の家族を支えている。 Translation: She supports her soldier's family.

This word is used to describe anyone who serves in the military. It can be used in formal and informal contexts. You would use 軍人 when discussing military matters, historical events, or when referring to someone's profession if they are a soldier or in the military. It’s important to remember that this term generally refers to those actively serving, and it is less commonly used to describe veterans unless the context specifically warrants it.

軍人 is typically written in kanji as 軍人. The reading is ぐんじん (gunjin) in hiragana. There is no other common way to write this word. The okurigana is fixed.

⚫︎ 兵士 (へいし, *heishi*) - soldier (more general term) ⚫︎ 兵隊 (へいたい, *heitai*) - soldier, troop (can be informal) ⚫︎ 軍人 (ぐんじん, *gunjin*) - this word itself can be used to describe personnel in the army, navy, air force, or marine corps.

There isn't a direct antonym. You could consider words representing civilian occupations or roles. ⚫︎ 民間人 (みんかんじん, *minkanjin*) - civilian ⚫︎ 市民 (しみん, *shimin*) - citizen

彼は尊敬される軍人として、数々の勲章を受けた。 ・Translation: He received many medals as a respected soldier. ・Explanation: This sentence describes a soldier, highlighting the respect he has earned.

その軍人は、祖国を守るために命を捧げた。 ・Translation: That soldier gave his life to protect his homeland. ・Explanation: This sentence depicts a solemn situation, discussing a soldier's sacrifice.

The word 軍人 is a compound word. 軍(*gun*) comes from the Chinese word for "army" or "military." 人(*jin*) simply means "person." Therefore, it literally means "military person."