From: 2X4B 523P <bfung <at> FLASH <dot> NET>
Date: 7 apr 1999
Subject: Re: Query

Hello,

Perhaps I should refer this definition a bit: during WW2, the Japanese
military doctrine, as it had been for many years, called for a great,
decisive battle. In this battle, both sides would mass an important part
(or even all) of their forces. The loser will have the bulk of his
forces destroyed, leaving the battlefield and theatre to the victor.

It's a very grand, and perhaps even noble, strategy. In wars of
attrition, it may be the weaker side's best hope for victory.

Toshiya Kawakami wrote:
>
> Reijer wrote:
> >I think the word you are looking for is "Kessen". Of course it depends
> >(as always) on the context, but "kessen" is the literal translation of
> >"decisive battle" ("kessen" is a combination of the kanji for "ketsu"
> >meaning "decision" and the kanji for "sen" or "fight") and it is used
> >in shogi terminology in this way.
>
> I think what you wrote is right, and "kessen" can be used too.  But this
> single word is a bit stilted.
> It seems to me that there is no suitable single word nor expression in
> some words for "decisive battle" in Japanese.
>
> "Grimbergen matches a decisive battle against Habu today" may be
> translated as "Kyou ha Grimbergen ga Habu ni kessen wo idomimasu".
> This is written style (suitable on a newspaper or TV news) but spoken
> not so often.  However, instead of "kessen", even if we use "ketteiteki
> na issen" or "ten'nouzan", it's still stiled here. ("kessen" is literally
> "decisive battle" as Reijer wrote. "issen" is "a game" or "a match")
> I will say this in other words like "Kyou no Grimbergen to Habu no
> taikyoku ha yuusyou no yukue wo uranau daijina issen desu."
> that means "The match Grimbergen - Habu today is important (for
> each or for me) and almost decides the winner of the cup"
>
> Regards,
> --
>   Toshiya Kawakami
>   email: kawakami <at> lead <dot> dion <dot> ne <dot> jp

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