(こうけんにん)

こうけんにん
noun
guardian, legal guardian
1. guardian, legal guardian
A person appointed by law or by a court to manage the affairs of someone who cannot manage them on their own, such as a minor or a person with diminished capacity.
成年(せいねん)後見人(こうけんにん)必要(ひつよう)だ。
An adult guardian is needed.
裁判所(さいばんしょ)後見人(こうけんにん)(えら)んだ。
The court appointed a guardian.
認知症(にんちしょう)(おや)のために、家庭(かてい)裁判所(さいばんしょ)後見人(こうけんにん)申立(もうした)てをした。
I filed a petition with the family court for a guardian for my parent who has dementia.

WORD FORMATION:
後見(こうけん) (guardianship) + (にん) (person).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 成年(せいねん)後見人(こうけんにん): adult guardian (for adults with diminished capacity)
  • 未成年(みせいねん)後見人(こうけんにん): guardian for a minor
  • 後見人(こうけんにん)選任(せんにん)する: to appoint a guardian

USAGE:
A legal term. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to say 世話(せわ)をする(ひと) (a person who takes care of someone) unless specifically discussing legal arrangements.