武器
buki[bɯ̟kʲi]
The Japanese word for weapon is 武器 (buki). Wiktionary also lists 兵器 (heiki).
Meaning: instrument of attack or defense in combat (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 武器 | buki | [bɯ̟kʲi] (narrow) |
| 兵器 | heiki | [he̞ːkʲi] (narrow) |
武器 refers to an instrument of attack or defense in combat. It is a general term that can cover handheld items or even be used metaphorically to describe a person's strengths, such as saying a smile is a weapon (笑顔は武器だ).
Which one should you use?
武器 is used for general weapons, including handheld objects or metaphorical uses. In contrast, 兵器 refers specifically to large-scale military weaponry, hardware or ordnance used by armed forces in warfare.
How do you pronounce it?
buki
When do people say it?
The term 武器屋 (bukiya) literally translates to "weapon shop" and is sometimes used in a humorous or metaphorical way.
Did you know?
- In historical contexts, the term 武器 encompasses not just tools of war, but also 'spiritual weapons' in Buddhist texts used to fight internal delusions.
- Japanese law categories regarding 'weapons' often distinguish between 武器 and 凶器 (kyōki), the latter referring specifically to an object used as a weapon in a crime.
- The word 武器 is used in the phrase 武器にする (buki ni suru), which means to turn a personal flaw or quirk into a strategic advantage.
Examples in context
- 武器を捨てないと撃つぞ。Drop your weapon or I'll shoot.This sentence shows how to command someone to drop their 武器.Tatoeba #11465101 by bunbuku, translation #3728703 by CM
- 原子爆弾は恐ろしい武器だ。An A-bomb is a terrible weapon.This sentence describes an A-bomb as a terrible 武器.Tatoeba #121389 by KK_kaku_, translation #282617 by Eldad
- 万が一に備えて、武器になるものを探した。I looked around for a weapon just in case.This sentence demonstrates looking for something that could serve as a 武器.Tatoeba #81205 by bunbuku, translation #322510 by CK
- 日本の武器は非常に効率的です。Japanese weapons are highly efficient.
- 昔の武器と現代の兵器には大きな違いがあります。There is a significant difference between ancient weapons and modern armament.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a fantasy video game shop.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さん、新しい武器は買いましたか？Kenta-san, atarashii buki wa kaimashita ka?Kenta, did you buy a new weapon?
- 健太 Kentaいや、まだいい武器が見つからないんだ。Iya, mada ii buki ga mitsukaranai nda.No, I haven't found a good weapon yet.
- 陽葵 Himariこの魔法の杖は、とても強力な武器ですよ。Kono mahou no tsue wa, totemo kyouryoku na buki desu yo.This magic staff is a very powerful weapon.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵、それ、すごくかっこいいな！Himari, sore, sugoku kakkoii na!Himari, that looks really cool!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weapon” translations and entries 武器, 兵器, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
