鎧
yoroi[jo̞ɾo̞i]
The English phrase "armor" is translated into Japanese as 鎧 (yoroi).
鎧 refers to a protective layer intended to deflect or diffuse damaging forces. It is specifically used to describe historical or fantasy-style plate or scale armor. It is not the term used for modern ballistic body armor.
Meaning: protective layer over a body, vehicle, or other object intended to deflect or diffuse damaging forces (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
yoroi
Did you know?
- The term 鎧 is derived from a verb meaning 'to twist' or 'to tie together', reflecting how traditional Japanese armor was constructed and fastened with complex cordage.
- Traditional 鎧 was designed not just for protection, but to signify the wearer's social rank and clan through specific colors and patterns of silk cords.
- The name for this armor is already found in the Kojiki, a collection of Japan's oldest myths written in 712 CE.
Examples in context
- 騎士の時代には、彼等は剣での闘いによる怪我から身を守るため鎧を身に付けた。In the days of the knights, they wore armor to protect themselves from sword-fight wounds.This sentence shows how knights used 鎧 to protect themselves from wounds during sword fights.Tatoeba #182950 by KK_kaku_, translation #10743034 by JimBreen
- 今日は鎧をつけていなくても佩刀するのは忘れていなかった。Today, even though he has not put on his armor, he has not forgotten to carry his sword.This sentence illustrates the concept of carrying a sword even without 鎧.Tatoeba #395755 by Scott, translation #395756 by Scott
- 彼は鎧を身に着けていた。He wore a suit of armor.
- その侍の鎧は美しく作られていた。The samurai's armor was beautifully crafted.
- その戦士は重い鎧を着ている。Sono senshi wa omoi yoroi o kite iru.That warrior is wearing heavy armor.
Example conversation
A father and daughter are looking at a museum exhibit of samurai gear.
- 陽葵 Himariこの鎧はとても綺麗ですね。Kono yoroi wa totemo kirei desu ne.This armor is very beautiful, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaああ、本物の鎧は迫力があるな。Aa, honmono no yoroi wa hakuryoku ga aru na.Yeah, real armor is very powerful.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太さんは、これを着てみたいですか？Yota-san wa, kore o kite mitai desu ka?Yota, would you want to try wearing this?
- 陽太 Yotaいや、重すぎて無理だよ。Iya, omosugite muri da yo.No, it's too heavy, it's impossible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “armor” translations and entries 鎧, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 鎧, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
