用心棒|ようじんぼうyoujinbou[3]nakadaka (mid-high)

1. nounbodyguard; bouncer; (security) guard
2. nounbar (on a door); bolt
3. nounstick or pole used for self-defenceorig. meaning

• SynonymエスコートNeutralA loanword for escorting or accompanying someone, whether as a courtesy or for protection; not necessarily a bodyguard.
• Synonym護衛ごえいNeutralGuarding or escorting someone, as in 「護衛艦」; stresses the act or duty of protection rather than the hired man.
• SynonymボディーガードNeutralA loanword for a personal bodyguard who stays close to VIPs and celebrities; unlike 「用心棒」 it carries no rough, underworld flavor.
• Related警護けいごNeutralThe act of guarding someone against danger, as in 「要人警護」; it stresses the guarding itself rather than the hired man.
• Related侍衛じえいWrittenA close attendant guarding a person of rank; a dated, written-style word with a historical flavor.
• Related警衛けいえいFormalA formal term for guarding or keeping watch, as of the imperial family; suited to official contexts.

「用心棒」is hired muscle — a bodyguard or bouncer with a rough, underworld flavor — and can also mean a door bar. For a VIP's personal bodyguard say 「ボディーガード」; for the act of guarding use 「護衛」or 「警護」.

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

1. 主おもに暴力ぼうりょくから、誰だれかの身みあるいは団体だんたいや組織そしきなどを守まもるためにそばに置おいておく者もの。
2. 万が一まんがいちの用心ようじんに備そなえて用意よういしておく棒ぼう。
3. 心張しんばり棒ぼうのこと。