Translation and Meaning of: 守衛 - shuei

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 守衛[しゅえい]. It can appear in various contexts, from signs on buildings to dialogues in anime. But what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this word, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively. Whether for study or simple cultural interest, understanding 守衛[しゅえい] can be more useful than you might think.

Meaning and use of 守衛[しゅえい]

The word 守衛[しゅえい] is composed of the kanjis 守 (to protect) and 衛 (to defend), forming a term that means "guard" or "watchman." Unlike words like 警備員[けいびいん] (contracted security), 守衛 has a more formal tone and is usually used to refer to guards in specific places, such as government buildings, temples, or companies.

In everyday life in Japan, it is common to see 守衛 on signs or uniforms of professionals who work in the security of a place. Although it is not an extremely frequent word in daily life, its use is well established in contexts that require formality. If you visit Japan, you may encounter it at the entrances of important buildings or even at train stations.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The etymology of 守衛 traces back to the kanjis that compose it. The first, 守, comes from the verb 守る[まもる] (to protect), while 衛 is related to defense and vigilance. Together, they reinforce the idea of active protection, something that goes beyond mere observation. This combination is not random—it reflects the cultural importance of security in Japan, especially in public spaces and institutions.

It is worth noting that 守衛 is not an old word, but its kanji structure follows the classical logic of Japanese term composition. If you already study Japanese, recognizing the radicals and individual meanings of the kanjis can help you memorize not only this word but also others related, such as 守護[しゅご] (protection) or 衛生[えいせい] (hygiene).

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fix 守衛[しゅえい] is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think of a guard at the entrance of a temple or museum—this is the type of context in which the word appears. Another tip is to create flashcards with images of places protected by 守衛, combining the term with a clear visualization of its use.

Additionally, pay attention to the pronunciation: "shuuei" can be confused with similar words, such as 周囲[しゅうい] (surroundings), but the context always helps to differentiate them. If you practice Japanese with apps like Anki, including sentences like "この建物の守衛は親切です" (The guard of this building is kind) can reinforce practical learning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 警備員 (Keibiin) - Security; Security guard.
• セキュリティーガード (Sekyuritīgādo) - Security guard; More westernized term for security.
• 監視員 (Kanshiin) - Vigilante; A person responsible for monitoring and observing.
• 警備係 (Keibikakari) - Responsible for security; Indicates a specific position in security.
• 警備人 (Keibijin) - Security person; Similar to 警備員, but less formal.
• ガードマン (Gādoman) - Guardian; It can refer to a security guard in a more informal setting.

守衛

Romaji: shuei
Kana: しゅえい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: security guard; concierge

Meaning in English: security guard;doorkeeper

Definition: A person or people designated to protect a facility or location.

Example Sentences - (守衛) shuei

See below some example sentences:

その建物には守衛がいる。

Sono tatemono ni wa shuei ga iru

There is a guard in the building.

• その - demonstrative determiner meaning "that"
• 建物 - noun meaning "building"
• に - particle that indicates the location of something
• は - particle that marks the theme of the sentence
• 守衛 - noun meaning "guard"
• が - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• いる - verb meaning "to be present"