noun
A person who guards a place, such as a gate, building, or entrance. Often used for a security guard or sentry.
門のところに番人が立っていた。
A guard was standing at the gate.
夜間は番人が見回りをしている。
At night, a watchman patrols the area.
Compound of 番 (ban, 'watch' or 'guard') and 人 (nin, 'person'). The reading ばんにん follows standard on'yomi.