Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Defense" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "defense", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
弁護
べんご (bengo)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
抗弁
こうべん (kouben)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "defense" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 弁護 and 抗弁.
In Japanese, 弁護 (べんご (bengo)) is typically associated with "defense (legal), advocacy" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Primarily used in a legal context, referring to defending someone in court or advocating for a cause or policy. Can also mean to defend oneself or one's actions against criticism..
On the other hand, 抗弁 (こうべん (kouben)) maps to "defense / plea" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "defense" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "弁護"
彼は無実を証明するために弁護士に弁護を依頼した。
He asked a lawyer to defend him to prove his innocence.
Bilingual Context for "抗弁"
私は抗弁に興味があります。
I am interested in defense / plea.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は無実を証明するために ＿＿＿ 士に ＿＿＿ を依頼した。" (Meaning: "He asked a lawyer to defend him to prove his innocence.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "弁護" fits here because it means "defense (legal), advocacy" in the context of: "He asked a lawyer to defend him to prove his innocence.". "抗弁" represents "defense / plea".