番犬
Meanings
1
watchdog; guard dog
A dog kept specifically to guard a house, property, or person. Can also be used figuratively for a person or group acting as a vigilant protector.
This house has a big guard dog.
The watchdog barked, so I knew someone was approaching.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉に番犬を飼うto keep a watchdog at a place
We keep a watchdog in our yard.
- 番犬が吠えるfor a watchdog to bark (at an intruder)
The watchdog barked fiercely when a stranger approached.
- 〈物〉の番犬としてacting as the guard/watchdog of something (also figuratively)
He works as a watchdog protecting the company's secrets.