to safeguard, to protect, to defend, to care for

JLPT N2 9 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage and Meaning

The character (bǎo) primarily means 'to protect,' 'to safeguard,' or 'to guarantee.' It is commonly used in contexts involving protection of people, things, rights, or abstract concepts like secrets or the environment.

Common Collocations

  • 保护 (bǎohù): to protect, often used for environment, rights, or people.
  • 保险 (bǎoxiǎn): insurance, literally 'protection guarantee.'
  • 保守 (bǎoshǒu): to keep or maintain, often used for secrets or traditions.

Usage Notes

is often combined with other characters to form compound words that specify the type of protection or guarantee. It can be used both in formal contexts (like insurance or legal protection) and everyday speech (like keeping a promise or secret).

Common Confusion

Do not confuse with 保持 (bǎochí), which means 'to maintain' or 'to keep up.' focuses more on protection or safeguarding, while 保持 emphasizes continuing a state or condition.

Example Sentences

We should protect the environment and reduce pollution.

This company provides medical insurance protection for its employees.

He promised to keep this secret.