expression, i-adjective
having one's guard up; not showing weak points
Used when someone is cautious, defensive, or unwilling to reveal vulnerabilities, often in competitive or confrontational contexts.
彼はいつもガードが固くて、なかなか本音を言わない。
He always has his guard up and rarely says what he really thinks.
交渉では相手のガードが固かった。
In the negotiation, the other party was very guarded.
expression, i-adjective
resisting romantic advances; distrustful of potential love interests; prudish
Specifically describes a woman who is wary of being hit on and keeps men at a distance; often written ガードが堅い.
彼女はガードが堅くて、誰ともすぐには付き合わない。
She has her guard up and doesn't start dating anyone right away.
More general term for being wary or vigilant, not limited to romantic contexts.
Emphasizes carefulness and caution, often in practical matters, without the specific nuance of resisting advances.
Combines the loanword ガード (guard) with the Japanese adjective かたい (hard, firm). The phrase likely emerged from sports or martial arts terminology and extended metaphorically to interpersonal defensiveness.