Translation guide
A person hired to protect someone from physical harm. In Japanese, the most common word is ボディーガード, but native terms like 護衛 and 用心棒 are also used depending on context.
A person employed to protect a VIP, celebrity, or executive.
The most common and widely understood term, borrowed from English. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
彼は有名な歌手のボディーガードをしている。
He works as a bodyguard for a famous singer.
A formal term for a guard or escort, often used for security personnel protecting dignitaries or in official settings.
大統領の護衛が厳重に行われた。
The president's bodyguards provided tight security.
Abbreviation for 'Security Police', used in Japan for close protection officers, especially for politicians. Common in news.
SPが首相の周りを固めている。
Security police are surrounding the prime minister.
A strong person hired for personal protection, often in informal or rough settings.
Originally a 'bodyguard' in historical contexts, now used for a hired guard or bouncer, often with a tough image. Common in fiction and casual speech.
彼はクラブの用心棒として働いている。
He works as a bouncer at a club.
Referring to the occupation itself.
The most natural way to say 'work as a bodyguard'.
彼はボディーガードをしている。
He works as a bodyguard.
A more formal way to refer to bodyguard work.
彼は護衛の仕事に就いている。
He is employed as a bodyguard.
ボディーガード is the default, neutral term. 用心棒 implies a tougher, sometimes informal guard (like a bouncer). 護衛 is formal and often used for official security details.
守衛 (しゅえい) means a security guard at a gate or building, not a personal bodyguard.
Also used for personal guards in less formal contexts, though 用心棒 may sound more native.
彼女はストーカーから守るためにボディーガードを雇った。
She hired a bodyguard to protect her from a stalker.