to defend, to guard, to protect

JLPT N5 6 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of

The character primarily means 'to guard,' 'to protect,' or 'to keep.' It is often used in contexts involving physical guarding, such as soldiers guarding a border, or more abstractly, like keeping promises or rules.

Common Collocations

  • (shǒuwèi): to guard or defend a place.
  • (shǒushí): to be punctual, literally 'to keep time.'
  • (shǒuyuē): to keep a promise or agreement.

Nuances

When using , the speaker implies a sense of responsibility and vigilance. It often carries a positive connotation of reliability and steadfastness. is a very common phrase emphasizing punctuality, which is valued in both social and professional settings.

Avoiding Confusion

Do not confuse with (bǎo), which also means 'to protect' but often implies more of a general safeguarding or maintaining. emphasizes active guarding or adherence, especially in contexts like规矩 (keeping rules) or 守护 (to guard/protect someone).

Register

is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It appears frequently in idiomatic expressions and set phrases.

Example Sentences

The soldiers guard the border to prevent enemy invasion.

He always keeps his promises and never changes his mind easily.

Please be punctual; the meeting starts on time.