Translation guide
The English word "ward" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: a hospital room, a political district, a person under guardianship, and the verb meaning to fend off. Each meaning requires different Japanese expressions.
A room or section in a hospital for patients.
The standard term for a hospital ward (a building or section).
彼は外科病棟に入院している。
He is hospitalized in the surgical ward.
Refers to a patient's room within a ward, not the entire ward.
病室は4人部屋です。
The ward room is a four-person room.
A division of a city or town for electoral or administrative purposes.
Used for wards in Japanese cities (e.g., Tokyo's 23 wards).
渋谷区は東京の中心的な区の一つです。
Shibuya Ward is one of the central wards of Tokyo.
Specifically an electoral district or constituency.
A person, especially a child, who is under the protection of a guardian or court.
Legal term for a ward (person under guardianship).
裁判所は彼を被後見人と認定した。
The court declared him a ward.
A more general phrase meaning 'a person under protection'.
彼女は叔父の保護下にある。
She is a ward of her uncle.
To prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from affecting you.
To dodge, parry, or ward off (a blow, attack, question).
彼は質問を巧みにかわした。
He skillfully warded off the question.
To defend against, prevent (danger, illness, etc.).
To repel or beat back (an enemy, attack). Stronger nuance.
兵士たちは敵の攻撃を撃退した。
The soldiers warded off the enemy attack.
These are completely different words. 'Ward' is about protection or districts; 'word' is 言葉 (ことば).
病棟 (びょうとう) is the entire ward unit or building, while 病室 (びょうしつ) is an individual patient room. Use 病棟 for 'ward' in most hospital contexts.
He ran for office from that ward.
Vitamin C helps ward off colds.