保守

ほしゅ

conservative, maintaining

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"保守" (bǎoshǒu) primarily means "conservative," referring to attitudes, behaviors, or policies that favor preserving existing conditions or traditions rather than embracing change. It can describe political views, investment strategies, or personal habits.

Common Collocations

  • 保守观点 (conservative viewpoint): used to describe traditional or cautious opinions.
  • 保守策略 (conservative strategy): often used in business or investment contexts to indicate risk-averse approaches.
  • 保守 (conservative faction): refers to groups or individuals holding conservative beliefs.

Usage Notes

When using "保守," speakers often imply caution and preference for stability. It can carry a neutral or slightly critical tone depending on context, especially in political discussions where "保守" contrasts with "" (radical). Avoid confusing "保守" with "保护" (to protect), although both share the character "," their meanings differ.

Register and Tone

"保守" is a formal term common in written and spoken Chinese, suitable for academic, political, and business contexts. It is not typically used in casual conversation unless discussing ideology or strategy.

Example Sentences

He is very conservative in his political views and does not like radical

This company adopted a conservative investment strategy to avoid major

He conservatively guards the family traditions and does not easily change