1.
guardian, parent, caregiver
A person legally responsible for the care and supervision of a child or dependent. In practice, this usually refers to a child's parents but can include legal guardians.
保護者の同意が必要です。
The consent of a guardian is required.
保護者会に出席してきた。
I attended the parents' meeting.
未成年者は保護者の許可なく契約を結ぶことができない。
Minors cannot enter into contracts without their guardian's permission.
In school contexts, 保護者 is the standard formal term used for parents and guardians on forms, notices, and at school events. It is more inclusive than 親 (parent) as it covers non-parent guardians. The word is composed of 保護 (protection) + 者 (person).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 保護者会 (parents' meeting, PTA meeting)
- 保護者同伴 (accompanied by a guardian)
- 保護者の同意 (guardian's consent)
- 保護者向け (aimed at parents/guardians)