보호자
보호자 30秒了解
- 보호자 means guardian or protector, used widely in hospitals and schools.
- It comes from Hanja: 保 (protect), 護 (guard), 者 (person).
- In hospitals, it refers to the family member accompanying the patient.
- It is more formal and functional than words like 'parent' or 'family'.
The Korean word 보호자 (Bo-ho-ja) is a noun that translates most directly to 'guardian,' 'protector,' or 'caregiver.' In a linguistic sense, it is composed of three Hanja (Sino-Korean) characters: 保 (보 - to protect), 護 (호 - to guard), and 者 (자 - person). Together, they form the concept of a person who is legally or morally responsible for the safety and well-being of another individual. This term is ubiquitous in South Korean society, appearing everywhere from medical forms to school permission slips and legal documents. It is not merely a descriptive term but often a functional role that carries significant social and legal weight.
- Medical Context
- In a hospital setting, a 보호자 is the person accompanying a patient. They are responsible for communicating with doctors and making decisions if the patient is unable to do so.
- Legal Context
- Legally, it refers to a guardian of a minor or someone under legal protection, such as an elderly person with dementia or a person with disabilities.
- Social Context
- It is used broadly to describe anyone taking care of someone else, even in informal settings like a lost child being reunited with their 'guardian' at a mall.
"수술을 하기 전에는 반드시 보호자의 동의가 필요합니다." (Before performing surgery, the consent of a guardian is absolutely necessary.)
Understanding this word requires looking at the social fabric of Korea, where collective responsibility often takes precedence over individual autonomy in crisis situations. When a doctor asks, "보호자분 계세요?" (Is there a guardian present?), they are looking for the person who will take charge of the situation. This role is usually filled by immediate family members—spouses, parents, or adult children—but can extend to close friends or legal representatives in specific cases. The term implies a duty of care that is both emotional and practical.
"미성년자는 보호자 없이 이 영화를 관람할 수 없습니다." (Minors cannot watch this movie without a guardian.)
- Hanja Breakdown: 保 (보)
- Meaning 'to keep' or 'to preserve.' It suggests the act of maintaining someone's current state of safety.
- Hanja Breakdown: 護 (호)
- Meaning 'to protect' or 'to shield.' It implies active defense against harm or external threats.
Using 보호자 correctly involves understanding the level of formality and the specific environment you are in. Since it is a Sino-Korean noun, it functions as a standard noun that can be followed by various particles like -가/이 (subject), -를/을 (object), or -의 (possessive). However, because it often refers to people in a position of responsibility, it is frequently used with the honorific suffix -분 to become 보호자분, especially when addressed by professionals like doctors, nurses, or police officers.
- In Hospitals: You will hear "보호자분, 이쪽으로 오세요" (Guardian, please come this way). Here, it acts as a polite title for the person accompanying the patient.
- In Schools/Institutions: Forms will ask for "보호자 연락처" (Guardian's contact information).
- In Public Safety: If a child is lost, an announcement might say "보호자를 찾고 있습니다" (We are looking for the guardian).
"환자분의 보호자 되십니까?" (Are you the patient's guardian?)
Grammatically, 보호자 is often paired with verbs like 동반하다 (to accompany), 동의하다 (to consent), or 연락하다 (to contact). For example, "보호자 동반 필수" means 'Guardian accompaniment mandatory.' This is common on signs at amusement parks or swimming pools for children's safety.
- Common Verb Pairings
- 보호자를 동반하다: To be accompanied by a guardian.
- 보호자에게 알리다: To inform the guardian.
- 보호자로서의 책임: Responsibility as a guardian.
Another important aspect is the distinction between a 'legal guardian' and a 'temporary guardian.' In legal documents, you might see 법정대리인 (legal representative) or 친권자 (person with parental rights), but in everyday speech and general administrative tasks, 보호자 covers all these bases. It is a versatile word that focuses on the act of 'protection' (보호) rather than the specific legal status, making it the go-to term for any situation where one person is looking after another.
You are most likely to encounter 보호자 in environments where safety, health, or legal responsibility are at the forefront. The most common location is undoubtedly the hospital (병원). In Korea, hospitals have specific 'guardian zones' or 'guardian beds' (보호자 침대) next to the patient's bed. You will hear the term over the PA system or directly from medical staff multiple times a day.
"102호 환자 보호자분, 간호사실로 와 주세요." (Guardian of the patient in room 102, please come to the nursing station.)
Another frequent setting is schools and academies (학원). During parent-teacher conferences or when signing up for extracurricular activities, the term is used to refer to whoever is responsible for the student. It is inclusive of parents, grandparents, or older siblings who might be acting as the primary caregiver.
- In Public Places
- At malls, theme parks, or festivals, you will hear: "미아 보호소에서 보호자를 기다리고 있습니다." (The child is waiting for their guardian at the lost child center.)
- In Media
- News reports often use the term when discussing accidents involving minors or the elderly: "보호자의 부주의로 사고가 발생했습니다." (The accident occurred due to the guardian's negligence.)
Interestingly, you might also hear this term in animal shelters or vet clinics. In recent years, as pet ownership has grown in Korea, the term for pet owner has shifted from '주인' (owner) to 보호자 (guardian/protector) to reflect a more compassionate relationship with animals. If you take a dog to a vet in Seoul, the vet will likely call you the '강아지 보호자님' (the puppy's guardian).
One of the most common mistakes learners make is using 보호자 when they specifically mean 'parents.' While parents are guardians, 보호자 is a functional role. If you are talking about your own parents in a casual conversation, use 부모님. Using 보호자 in a casual chat about your family sounds overly clinical and strange.
❌ "우리 보호자는 집에 있어요." (My guardian is at home - sounds like you're under legal custody.)
✅ "우리 부모님은 집에 계세요." (My parents are at home.)
Another mistake is confusing 보호자 with 간병인 (caregiver/nursing assistant). A 간병인 is a professional or hired person who provides physical care, whereas a 보호자 is the person with the *authority* and *responsibility* for the patient, usually a family member. While a 보호자 might do the work of a 간병인, a hired 간병인 is rarely the legal 보호자.
- Mistake: Confusing with 'Protector' (as in Bodyguard)
- If you want to say 'bodyguard' or someone who protects you from physical attacks, use 경호원. 보호자 is for care and legal responsibility, not tactical protection.
- Mistake: Omitting '-분' in Formal Settings
- When referring to someone else's guardian to their face, omitting the honorific -분 can sound slightly blunt. Always prefer 보호자분 in professional contexts.
To truly master 보호자, it helps to compare it with related terms that share similar Hanja or conceptual space. Korean has several words for 'protector' or 'guardian' depending on the specific legal or social nuance required.
- 1. 후견인 (Hu-gyeon-in) - Legal Guardian
- This is a more formal, legal term. While a 보호자 can be anyone acting in that role, a 후견인 is specifically appointed by a court to manage the affairs of a minor or an incapacitated adult.
- 2. 양육자 (Yang-yuk-ja) - Caregiver/Nurturer
- This word focuses on the act of 'raising' or 'nurturing' (양육). It is often used in child custody discussions. A 보호자 protects, but a 양육자 provides the daily upbringing.
- 3. 인솔자 (In-sol-ja) - Leader/Chaperone
- Used for someone leading a group, like a teacher on a field trip. They are the '보호자' for the duration of the trip, but their specific title is '인솔자'.
"법정 후견인이 서류에 서명했습니다." (The legal guardian signed the document.)
Another interesting comparison is with 관리자 (Manager/Administrator). While both involve taking care of something, 관리자 is used for objects, systems, or buildings, whereas 보호자 is almost exclusively used for living beings (people and pets). You wouldn't be the '보호자' of a website; you would be the '관리자'.
How Formal Is It?
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难度评级
需要掌握的语法
按水平分级的例句
보호자 있어요?
Is there a guardian?
Simple question with '있어요?'
보호자 이쪽으로 오세요.
Guardian, come this way.
Imperative '-으세요'.
보호자 전화번호 주세요.
Give me the guardian's phone number.
Object + '주세요'.
아이는 보호자와 함께 있어요.
The child is with a guardian.
'-와 함께' (together with).
보호자 사인이 필요해요.
A guardian's signature is needed.
'-이/가 필요해요' (need something).
보호자분, 앉으세요.
Guardian, please sit down.
Honorific '-분' added to the noun.
여기 보호자석이에요.
This is the guardian's seat.
'-이에요' (is/am/are).
보호자 없으면 안 돼요.
It's not allowed without a guardian.
'-으면 안 돼요' (should not/cannot).
환자 보호자분을 찾고 있습니다.
We are looking for the patient's guardian.
'-고 있다' (progressive tense).
보호자 동의서에 서명해 주세요.
Please sign the guardian consent form.
'-아/어 주세요' (requesting a favor).
미성년자는 보호자 동반이 필수입니다.
Accompaniment by a guardian is mandatory for minors.
'-은/는 필수입니다' (is mandatory).
보호자 연락처를 적어 주세요.
Please write down the guardian's contact info.
Object + '적어 주세요'.
강아지 보호자님이 누구세요?
Who is the puppy's guardian?
'-이/가 누구세요?' (Who is...?).
보호자 없이 혼자 왔어요?
Did you come alone without a guardian?
'-없이' (without).
보호자 대기실은 저쪽에 있습니다.
The guardian waiting room is over there.
Formal '-습니다' ending.
보호자로서 책임이 중요합니다.
Responsibility as a guardian is important.
'-로서' (as a/in the capacity of).
수술 전에 보호자의 동의가 반드시 필요합니다.
Guardian consent is absolutely necessary before surgery.
'-기 전에' (before doing).
보호자분은 밖에서 잠시 기다려 주십시오.
Guardian, please wait outside for a moment.
Formal imperative '-십시오'.
학교 행사에 보호자 참여를 권장합니다.
We encourage guardian participation in school events.
'-를 권장하다' (to encourage/recommend).
보호자가 없는 아이들을 돕고 싶어요.
I want to help children who don't have guardians.
Relative clause '-는'.
환자의 상태를 보호자에게 설명했습니다.
I explained the patient's condition to the guardian.
'-에게' (to someone).
보호자 동반 시에만 입장이 가능합니다.
Entry is only possible when accompanied by a guardian.
'-시' (at the time of).
이 서류는 보호자가 직접 작성해야 합니다.
This document must be filled out by the guardian personally.
'-아야/어야 하다' (must/have to).
보호자로서의 권리를 주장할 수 있습니다.
You can claim your rights as a guardian.
'-ㄹ 수 있다' (can/be able to).
보호자의 부주의로 인한 사고가 늘고 있습니다.
Accidents caused by guardian negligence are increasing.
'-로 인한' (due to/caused by).
법적 보호자가 아니면 서류를 뗄 수 없습니다.
You cannot get the documents if you are not the legal guardian.
'-가 아니면' (if not).
치매 환자의 경우 보호자의 역할이 매우 큽니다.
In the case of dementia patients, the role of the guardian is very significant.
'-의 경우' (in the case of).
보호자 동의 없이 개인 정보를 공개할 수 없습니다.
Personal information cannot be disclosed without guardian consent.
'- 없이' (without).
유기견의 새로운 보호자를 찾고 있습니다.
We are looking for a new guardian for the abandoned dog.
'-를 찾고 있다' (searching for).
보호자 교육 프로그램에 참여해 보세요.
Try participating in the guardian education program.
'-아/어 보세요' (try doing).
보호자에게도 심리적 지원이 필요합니다.
Guardians also need psychological support.
'-에게도' (also to).
병원은 보호자 상주 시스템을 운영하고 있습니다.
The hospital operates a guardian residency system.
'-고 있다' (progressive/state).
현행법상 보호자의 정의가 모호한 부분이 있습니다.
Under current law, there are parts where the definition of a guardian is ambiguous.
'-상' (in terms of/according to).
보호자의 동의권 행사는 신중하게 이루어져야 합니다.
The exercise of the guardian's right to consent must be carried out carefully.
'-아/어지다' (passive/becoming).
아동 학대 예방을 위해 보호자 감시 체계를 강화해야 합니다.
To prevent child abuse, the guardian monitoring system must be strengthened.
'-기 위해' (in order to).
보호자 부재 시 발생할 수 있는 법적 문제를 검토했습니다.
We reviewed legal issues that could arise in the absence of a guardian.
'- 시' (at the time of/in case of).
반려동물 인구 천만 시대에 '보호자'라는 호칭이 정착되었습니다.
In the era of 10 million pet owners, the title 'guardian' has become established.
'-라는' (called/named).
보호자의 사회적 책무에 대한 담론이 활발해지고 있습니다.
Discourse on the social responsibilities of guardians is becoming active.
'-에 대한' (about/regarding).
의료 현장에서 보호자의 헌신은 종종 간과되곤 합니다.
In medical settings, the dedication of guardians is often overlooked.
'-곤 하다' (habitual action).
보호자 제도의 허점을 보완하기 위한 입법이 시급합니다.
Legislation to supplement the loopholes in the guardian system is urgent.
'-기 위한' (for the purpose of).
보호자라는 지위가 갖는 법적 구속력에 대해 논하시오.
Discuss the legal binding force of the status of a guardian.
'-에 대해 논하시오' (Discuss about...).
보호자의 자기결정권 대리 행사에 따른 윤리적 딜레마.
Ethical dilemmas arising from a guardian's proxy exercise of the right to self-determination.
'-에 따른' (according to/following).
국가는 실질적 보호자가 없는 취약 계층을 보호할 의무가 있다.
The state has an obligation to protect vulnerable groups who have no practical guardians.
'-ㄹ 의무가 있다' (have an obligation to).
보호자 중심의 간병 문화가 한국 의료 시스템에 미치는 영향.
The impact of guardian-centered caregiving culture on the Korean medical system.
'-에 미치는 영향' (impact on).
미성년자의 범죄에 대한 보호자의 연대 책임론이 대두되고 있다.
The theory of joint responsibility of guardians for crimes committed by minors is emerging.
'-론' (theory/argument).
보호자로서의 정체성이 개인의 삶에 미치는 심리적 파장.
The psychological impact that the identity of being a guardian has on an individual's life.
'-가 ...에 미치는 파장' (ripple effect on).
성년후견인 제도의 정착은 보호자 개념의 외연을 확장시켰다.
The establishment of the adult guardianship system expanded the extension of the concept of 'guardian'.
'-을/를 확장시키다' (to expand something).
보호자의 부재가 초래하는 사회적 고립의 연쇄 고리를 끊어야 한다.
We must break the chain of social isolation caused by the absence of a guardian.
'-가 초래하는' (caused/brought about by).
常见搭配
常用短语
보호자 계세요? (Is the guardian here?)
보호자분 성함이? (What is the guardian's name?)
보호자 동의가 필요합니다 (Guardian consent is required)
보호자 없이 오셨어요? (Did you come without a guardian?)
보호자분, 이쪽으로 오세요 (Guardian, please come this way)
보호자 연락 부탁드립니다 (Please contact the guardian)
보호자 동반 필수 (Guardian accompaniment mandatory)
보호자 대기해 주세요 (Please wait, guardian)
보호자 확인이 끝났습니다 (Guardian verification is complete)
보호자로서 서명합니다 (Signing as a guardian)
容易混淆的词
Parents (biological/familial) vs. Guardian (functional role).
Hired caregiver vs. Responsible family member/guardian.
Bodyguard (physical protection) vs. Guardian (care/legal).
习语与表达
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容易混淆
句型
词族
相关
如何使用
Modern term for pet owner.
Refers to the legal representative of a minor or ward.
Refers to the family member staying with the patient.
- Using '보호자' instead of '부모님' in casual conversation.
- Confusing '보호자' (guardian) with '경호원' (bodyguard).
- Thinking '간병인' (hired caregiver) is the same as '보호자'.
- Forgetting to use the honorific '-분' in formal settings.
- Using '보호자' for objects or systems (use '관리자' instead).
小贴士
Hospital Stay
If you are a '보호자' in a Korean hospital, expect to stay overnight. Most rooms have a fold-out bed for you.
Honorifics
Always use '보호자분' when talking to someone else about their role as a guardian to be polite.
Pet Owners
When taking your pet to the vet in Korea, refer to yourself as the '보호자' for a more natural feel.
Forms
On forms, '보호자' is the section for the person responsible. Don't leave it blank if you're the one in charge.
Announcements
In malls, if you hear '보호자' on the speaker, someone is likely looking for a lost child's parent.
Nuance
Use '보호자' when the focus is on safety and '부모' when the focus is on the family relationship.
Identification
If a doctor asks '보호자 되세요?', they are asking 'Are you the guardian?' Answer with '네'.
Responsibility
Being a '보호자' in Korea carries a heavy social expectation of constant presence and care.
Legal Terms
For official legal guardianship, you might encounter '법정대리인' alongside '보호자'.
Hanja Root
Remember 'Bo-Ho' means 'Protect-Guard'. It's a double layer of safety!
记住它
词源
Sino-Korean
文化背景
Schools communicate primarily with the '보호자' for all administrative matters.
The shift from 'owner' to 'guardian' reflects rising animal rights awareness.
Guardians are expected to be present for all major medical decisions.
在生活中练习
真实语境
对话开场白
"보호자분이 누구신가요? (Who is the guardian?)"
"보호자 동의를 받으셨나요? (Did you get the guardian's consent?)"
"보호자 없이 혼자 갈 수 있어요? (Can you go alone without a guardian?)"
"여기 보호자 대기실이 어디예요? (Where is the guardian waiting room here?)"
"보호자 연락처 좀 알려주세요. (Please let me know the guardian's contact info.)"
日记主题
내가 누군가의 보호자가 되었던 경험에 대해 써보세요. (Write about an experience where you were someone's guardian.)
한국 병원의 보호자 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요? (What do you think about the guardian culture in Korean hospitals?)
반려동물을 '주인'이 아닌 '보호자'라고 부르는 것에 대한 생각은? (What are your thoughts on calling pet owners 'guardians' instead of 'owners'?)
좋은 보호자가 되기 위해 필요한 자질은 무엇일까요? (What qualities are needed to be a good guardian?)
어린 시절 나의 보호자는 누구였나요? (Who was your guardian during your childhood?)
常见问题
10 个问题Yes, but only in formal or functional contexts (like at a hospital). In casual speech, use '부모님'.
Usually no. A '간병인' is a hired worker. A '보호자' is the person with the legal or family responsibility.
It sounds more respectful and implies the owner is a 'protector' rather than just a 'possessor' of the animal.
It means 'Legal Guardian,' someone officially recognized by law to represent another person.
In most contexts, yes, as it implies responsibility that minors usually don't have.
It means 'accompanied by a guardian.' You see this on signs for kids' activities.
In an emergency, a friend can act as a temporary '보호자' until family arrives.
It is a waiting room specifically for the family members of patients in surgery or treatment.
No, the word for bodyguard is '경호원'.
You can say '제가 보호자입니다' or '제가 보호자예요'.
自我测试 180 个问题
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
보호자 is the essential term for anyone in a caregiving or responsible role. Whether you are at a hospital, a school, or a vet, this word identifies the person who speaks for and protects the dependent party.
- 보호자 means guardian or protector, used widely in hospitals and schools.
- It comes from Hanja: 保 (protect), 護 (guard), 者 (person).
- In hospitals, it refers to the family member accompanying the patient.
- It is more formal and functional than words like 'parent' or 'family'.
Hospital Stay
If you are a '보호자' in a Korean hospital, expect to stay overnight. Most rooms have a fold-out bed for you.
Honorifics
Always use '보호자분' when talking to someone else about their role as a guardian to be polite.
Pet Owners
When taking your pet to the vet in Korea, refer to yourself as the '보호자' for a more natural feel.
Forms
On forms, '보호자' is the section for the person responsible. Don't leave it blank if you're the one in charge.
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这个词在其他语言中
更多health词汇
비정상적이다
B1Deviating from what is normal or usual; abnormal.
비정상이다
A2To be abnormal or irregular.
에 대해서
A2表示话题或主题;关于、有关。用于说明谈话、思考或研究的对象。
누적되다
B1To be accumulated or added up over a period of time. It is frequently used to describe the buildup of fatigue, debt, or environmental damage.
몸살
A2General body aches and fatigue, often accompanying a cold or flu.
몸살나다
A2To suffer from body aches and fatigue, often due to a cold.
쑤시다
B1To have a dull, throbbing pain; to ache.
에취
A2Achoo! (onomatopoeia for sneezing).
급성적이다
A2To be acute or sudden (e.g., an illness).
급성이다
A2Having a rapid onset and short course; to be acute (illness).