Translation guide
The English word 'watchdog' can refer to a guard dog or to a person/organization that monitors and exposes wrongdoing. This guide covers both meanings.
A dog kept to guard property or people.
The standard word for a watchdog or guard dog. Neutral and widely understood.
うちの番犬はとても勇敢だ。
Our watchdog is very brave.
Literally 'guard dog'. Less common than 番犬 but still used, especially in literary or descriptive contexts.
その家には大きな守り犬がいる。
That house has a big watchdog.
A person or group that monitors activities to ensure honesty and legality.
Refers to a monitoring or oversight body, such as a government agency or NGO. Formal and common in news.
消費者監視機関が不正を暴いた。
The consumer watchdog exposed the fraud.
A person or role that acts as a watchdog. Can be used in business or organizational contexts.
彼はプロジェクトの監視役に任命された。
He was appointed as the watchdog for the project.
Literally 'a person/organization that keeps a sharp eye on'. A descriptive phrase rather than a set term.
地域の安全に目を光らせる組織が必要だ。
We need an organization that acts as a watchdog for community safety.