Translation guide
The English word "guard" covers several distinct concepts: a person who protects, the act of protecting, a protective device, and a defensive stance. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
A person employed to protect a place, person, or object.
General term for a security guard, especially at buildings or events.
あのビルには警備員が常駐している。
That building has a security guard stationed at all times.
Loanword from English, commonly used for security guards, especially in casual contexts.
ガードマンが入口に立っていた。
A guard was standing at the entrance.
Formal term for a guard, often used for gatekeepers or guards at official buildings.
皇居の守衛は交代制だ。
The guards at the Imperial Palace work in shifts.
The action of protecting or watching over someone or something.
Refers to security or guarding as a duty or system. Often used in compounds.
空港の警備は厳重だ。
Airport security is tight.
Vigilance, being on guard against danger. Often used for police or military alertness.
To keep watch, to stand guard. Verb form.
A physical object that prevents injury or damage, such as a shield, rail, or cover.
Loanword used for many protective devices: mouth guard, chain guard, guard rail, etc.
バイクのチェーンガードが外れた。
The chain guard on the bike came off.
Protection, often used in compounds like 防護服 (protective clothing) or 防護柵 (protective fence).
A state of being prepared to defend against attack, physically or metaphorically.
To put oneself on guard, to brace oneself. Often used for physical readiness.
彼はパンチに備えて身構えた。
He put up his guard against the punch.
To not let one's guard down, to stay vigilant. Common in warnings.
油断しないでください。
Don't let your guard down.
To be on guard, to be vigilant. More formal than 油断しない.
敵の動きに警戒しろ。
Be on guard against the enemy's movements.
A player position or defensive action in sports.
Used for the guard position in basketball and other sports. Also used for defensive actions.
彼はバスケットボールのポイントガードだ。
He is a point guard in basketball.
Defense in sports, can be used for guarding an opponent.
彼の守備は堅い。
His guard is solid.
While ガード is a common loanword, it is not used for a person who guards (use 警備員) or for the act of guarding in formal contexts (use 警備). It is mainly for physical protective devices and sports positions.
警備 (keibi) refers to security as a system or duty, like airport security. 警戒 (keikai) is about being alert and watchful against potential threats, often used by police or military.
警察はテロに警戒している。
The police are on guard against terrorism.
Someone is keeping watch.
A guard rail is installed at the construction site.
Loanword for protective gear in sports, like shin guards or chest protectors.
サッカーではすね当てのプロテクターが必須だ。
In soccer, shin guards are mandatory.