門番(もんばん)

Composed of 門(もん) (gate) + 番(ばん) (guard, watch). Refers to a person who guards or controls access at a gate. Also used figuratively in modern Japanese to describe anyone who controls access to an organization, industry, or resource.

Common collocations

• 城(しろ)の門番(もんばん): castle gatekeeper
• 門番(もんばん)を務(つと)める: to serve as gatekeeper
• 門番(もんばん)のような役割(やくわり): a gatekeeper-like role

Similar words

• 守衛(しゅえい): security guard (modern, at buildings or facilities)
• 番人(ばんにん): watchman, guard (broader usage)
• 警備員(けいびいん): security guard (professional, modern)
• ゲートキーパー: gatekeeper (loanword, often used in business contexts)