衛兵(えいへい)

えいへい
noun
guard; sentry; sentinel
1. guard; sentry; sentinel
A soldier or armed guard stationed to protect a place such as a palace, gate, or important building. Often refers to the ceremonial guards at royal or government sites.
門(もん)の前(まえ)に衛兵(えいへい)が立(た)っている。
A guard is standing in front of the gate.
宮殿(きゅうでん)の衛兵(えいへい)は微動(びどう)だにしなかった。
The palace guards did not move a muscle.
観光客(かんこうきゃく)は衛兵(えいへい)の交代(こうたい)を見(み)ようと広場(ひろば)に集(あつ)まった。
Tourists gathered in the square to watch the changing of the guard.

Composed of 衛(えい) (to guard, defend) + 兵(へい) (soldier). Refers to a soldier posted to guard a location, often a ceremonial palace or government guard.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 衛兵(えいへい)が立(た)つ: for a guard to stand watch
  • 衛兵(えいへい)の交代(こうたい): the changing of the guard
  • 衛兵(えいへい)を配置(はいち)する: to post sentries

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 番兵(ばんぺい): sentry; guard on watch — emphasizes standing watch at a post
  • 護衛(ごえい): escort; bodyguard — protects a specific person while moving, not a fixed post
general
Added 2026.7.15 3:20
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