Translation guide
The English word "keeper" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a person who manages or guards something, a romantic partner worth keeping, and a sports goalkeeper. It also touches on less common uses like a custodian or a fish worth keeping.
Refers to a person responsible for looking after a place, collection, or animals, such as a zookeeper, lighthouse keeper, or storekeeper.
Specifically for a zookeeper or someone who raises and cares for animals in a facility.
He is a zookeeper.
General term for a caretaker, manager, or superintendent of a building, facility, or property.
The lighthouse keeper inspects the light every day.
A guard or watchman, often for a gate or entrance. Can sound old-fashioned or literary.
The gatekeeper let us through.
Specifically a shopkeeper or store owner.
That shopkeeper is very kind.
A guardian or protector, often in a spiritual or formal sense. Not for everyday jobs.
He is regarded as a keeper of tradition.
Informal, often said about a boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse who is loyal, kind, and a good long-term partner.
Literally 'if I were to marry, this person'. A common way to say someone is marriage material or a keeper.
He's so kind. I think he's a keeper.
Means 'a person you shouldn't let go'. Emphasizes not losing the person.
Said to a friend: 'You've caught a good one.' Implies the partner is a keeper.
The player in soccer, hockey, etc., who guards the goal.
Standard loanword for goalkeeper in most sports.
He is a soccer goalkeeper.
Shortened, casual form of ゴールキーパー, common in conversation.
Literally 'guardian deity'. Used metaphorically for an outstanding goalkeeper, often in sports commentary.
A person who preserves or is responsible for something intangible like knowledge, culture, or secrets.
In fishing, a fish that meets legal size requirements and is kept rather than released.
In romantic contexts, directly translating 'keeper' as 保持者 or 管理人 would sound bizarre. Use the phrases provided that convey the idea of a desirable long-term partner.
He's a really good guy. Definitely a keeper.
管理人 is a general caretaker/manager for buildings or facilities. 飼育員 is specifically for animal caretakers, like zookeepers. Don't use 飼育員 for a lighthouse keeper.
He cooks so well; he's a keeper.
She's always so thoughtful. You've got a keeper.
キーパーがナイスセーブした！
The keeper made a great save!
彼はチームの守護神と呼ばれている。
He is called the team's guardian deity (keeper).
He is the keeper of the world record.