How to say "protector" in Japanese

• 保護者ほごしゃCommon
  nounA person who protects or looks after someone, typically a parent or guardian responsible for a child; the everyday word when 'protector' means a person, as on school forms.
  ジョンはヘレンの保護者ほごしゃのようにふるまっている。↗

  John acts like Helen's guardian.
• プロテクター
  nounA loanword for a piece of protective equipment, such as a chest protector; use it when 'protector' means gear worn for safety, not a person.
• 防具ぼうぐ
  nounThe general word for protective equipment — guards, defensive armament, personal armor; use it when 'protector' means gear rather than a person.
• 庇護者ひごしゃ
  nounA less common word than 保護者 for a person who shelters and protects someone, often a mentor; it is not used for equipment.

For a person who protects someone choose 保護者, or 庇護者 for a sheltering, mentor-like protector; for equipment use 「プロテクター」 for a piece such as a chest protector, 防具 for protective gear or armor in general.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 保護者ほごしゃguardian
• プロテクターprotector (e.g. chest)
• 防具ぼうぐguard
• 庇護者ひごしゃguardian