Translation guide
A person legally responsible for a minor or incapacitated adult. Japanese distinguishes between guardians for minors (親権者) and adults (成年後見人), and often uses family terms in context.
The person with parental authority or legal custody of a child.
A person appointed by a court to manage the affairs of an incapacitated adult.
Referring to a parent or relative who is the guardian, often without legal terminology.
In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers often use family terms rather than legal terms when the relationship is clear.
親がサインしてください。
Please have your parent/guardian sign.
親権者 specifically refers to a person with legal parental authority, while 保護者 is a broader term for any guardian or protector, including teachers or temporary caretakers.
The direct translation '法的保護者' is not commonly used. Use the appropriate term based on context (minor vs. adult, formal vs. informal).
The legal term for a person who holds parental authority over a minor. Used in official contexts.
親権者の同意が必要です。
The consent of the legal guardian is required.
General term for guardian or protector, commonly used in school settings and everyday contexts.
保護者の方へお知らせします。
Notice to guardians.
Literally 'in place of a parent', used when someone acts as a guardian without formal legal status.
叔母が親代わりになって育てた。
My aunt raised me as my guardian.
Legal term for an adult guardian appointed under the adult guardianship system.
成年後見人が財産を管理します。
The legal guardian manages the property.
Shorter form of adult guardian, used in legal contexts.
後見人の選任を申し立てる。
Petition for the appointment of a guardian.
Also used in family contexts, especially in school communications.
保護者会があります。
There is a guardians' meeting.