盾
tate[ta̠te̞]
The English word "shield" is translated into Japanese as 盾 (tate).
盾 refers to a physical shield. It is also used metaphorically to describe a person or thing that acts as a protector or a buffer in a conflict. For describing an impenetrable shield, the term 鉄壁 (literally "iron wall") is used.
Meaning: armor (noun)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is tate.
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese warfare, the 盾 was often a large rectangular board planted in the soil rather than carried by a soldier.
- The word 盾 stems from the verb 'tateru', which means 'to stand' or 'to set up'. This suggests that a shield is conceptually viewed as something 'set up' or 'stood up' in front of a person.
- The phrase 盾にする can be used to describe using another person as a human shield to avoid responsibility or blame.
Examples in context
- 彼は盾と剣を買った。He bought a shield and a sword.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 盾 alongside other equipment.Tatoeba #8993958 by small_snow, translation #3680433 by Katubeltza
- 彼は頑丈なタテを手に持っていた。He was holding a sturdy shield in his hand.
- あのキャラクターはシールドを使って攻撃を防いだ。That character defended against the attack using a shield.
- 騎士は大きな盾を持っている。kishi wa ookina tate o motte iru.The knight has a large shield.
- この盾はとても重い。kono tate wa totemo omoi.This shield is very heavy.
Example conversation
Youta and Misaki are playing a video game together.
- 陽太 Yota美咲、盾を持っていて。Misaki, tate o motte ite.Misaki, hold the shield.
- 美咲 Misakiわかった。私が守るね。Wakatta. Watashi ga mamoru ne.Got it. I'll protect you.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう。助かるよ。Arigato. Tasukaru yo.Thanks. That helps a lot.
- 美咲 Misakiさあ、早く攻撃して！Saa, hayaku kougeki shite!Now, attack quickly!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shield” translations and entries 盾, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 盾, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
