保護者
hogosha[ho̞ɡo̞ɕa̠]
The Japanese word for protector is 保護者 (hogosha).
保護者 refers to someone who protects or guards. In a school or legal context, this term is most commonly used to refer to a parent or legal guardian.
Meaning: someone who protects or guards (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 保護者 refers to a legal guardian or person in charge of care, 守護者 is used for a more heroic or spiritual 'protector' or 'guardian'. Additionally, 守り神 refers to a deity or spiritual entity in Japanese folklore that protects a person, place or object.
How do you pronounce it?
hogosha
Did you know?
- While 'protector' sounds grand in English, calling someone a 保護者 in Japan can sound surprisingly clinical, like filling out an administrative form.
- The kanji 護 in 保護者 is the same character used in the word 護衛 (goei), which means 'escort' or 'bodyguard'.
- The suffix 者 in 保護者 is a versatile tool used to turn concepts into people, appearing in words for 'scholar' (学者) and 'reporter' (記者).
Examples in context
- あなたは私の守護者です。You are my protector.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are talking about a school trip permission slip.
- 結衣 Yuiこの書類に保護者の印鑑が必要だよ。kono shorui ni hogosha no inkann ga hitsuyou dayo.A guardian's seal is needed on this document.
- 陽太 Yotaあ、忘れてた。家に帰ってお願いするよ。a, wasureteta. ie ni kaette onegai suru yo.Oh, I forgot. I'll ask at home.
- 結衣 Yui締め切りは明日までだからね。shimekiri wa ashita made dakara ne.The deadline is tomorrow, you know.
- 陽太 Yota分かった。急いで準備するよ。wakatta. isoide junbi suru yo.Got it. I'll get it ready quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 保護者, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
