保護者
hogosha[ho̞ɡo̞ɕa̠]
The Japanese word for guardian is 保護者 (hogosha).
保護者 is used to refer to a person who is legally responsible for a minor. In contexts such as schools or organized events, it is the standard term used to refer to a student's parent or legal guardian.
Meaning: law: person legally responsible for a minor in loco parentis (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 保護者 refers to a guardian in a general or school context, the term 後見人 is the specific legal term for a person appointed by a court to manage the affairs of someone unable to do so themselves.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
hogosha
Did you know?
- If you are filling out forms in Japan, the term 保護者印 might appear, referring specifically to the official stamp or seal of the guardian.
- The term 保護 in 保護者 can also be used in 'nature conservation', as in 自然保護.
- In some legal contexts, the term 後見人 is specifically used for 'guardians' of adults with dementia, whereas 保護者 is almost exclusively for children.
Examples in context
- 未成年の方は、保護者のサインをもらってください。Minors must have a parent or guardian sign the form.This sentence shows how to use 保護者 when requesting a signature from a parent or guardian.Tatoeba #10903397 by small_snow, translation #10906158 by SomeHungryBois
- 私の保護者が仕事に行っている間、祖父母が私を預かってくれました。While my guardian was at work, my grandparents took care of me.
- 私の法的保護者は姉です。My legal guardian is my older sister.
- イベントには保護者の同伴が必要です。Ibento ni wa hogosha no dōan ga hitsuyō desu.A guardian must accompany you to the event.
Example conversation
Misaki and Hiroto are discussing a school trip form.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔、この書類に保護者の印鑑が必要だよ。Hiroto, kono shorui ni hogosha no inkan ga hitsuyō dayo.Hiroto, a guardian's seal is needed on this document.
- 大翔 Hirotoえっ、本当に？忘れてた！E, hontō ni? Wasureteta!What, really? I forgot!
- 美咲 Misaki明日までだから、急いでお願いしてね。Ashita made dakara, isoide onegai shite ne.It's due tomorrow, so please ask them quickly.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかった。家に帰ったらすぐにお願いするよ。Wakatta. Ie ni kaettara sugu ni onegai suru yo.Got it. I'll ask as soon as I get home.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “guardian” translations and entries 保護者, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
