JLPT N3 Intermediate

保証人

A guarantor legally responsible for another’s debts or obligations.

Readings

Noun

Guarantor / Co-signer

An individual legally bound to fulfill financial or contractual obligations if the primary debtor defaults.

Good to know

保証人（ほしょうにん） is a legal guarantor or co-signer who becomes responsible if someone cannot pay a debt or fulfill an obligation.

In Japan, you may need a 保証人（ほしょうにん） for major procedures such as renting an apartment, taking out a loan, or entering a school.

This is a serious financial responsibility, not a casual favor. The guarantor can be held liable much like the person they are guaranteeing. Because of this, the role is usually limited to close family, especially parents.

Asking a friend to be your 保証人（ほしょうにん） can feel like a heavy burden and may damage the relationship.

If someone cannot provide a family guarantor, it is common to use a paid 保証会社（ほしょうがいしゃ）, a guarantor company.

Example

アパートを借りるには、保証人が必要です。

You need a guarantor to rent an apartment.

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保証人

ほしょうにん

A guarantor legally responsible for another's debts or obligations.

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