to defend, to guard, to protect

JLPT N5 7 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (hù)

The character primarily means "to protect" or "to guard." It is often used in contexts involving physical protection, such as guarding a person or an object. It can also imply responsibility for someone's safety or well-being.

Common Collocations

  • (hùsòng): to escort or protect someone while moving from one place to another.
  • 保护 (bǎohù): to protect or safeguard, often used for abstract or physical protection.
  • (hùwèi): to guard or defend, often used in a military or security context.

Notes

When using , it often appears in compound words that specify the type of protection. It is more formal and specific than the general verb (bǎo), which also means "to protect" but is broader. Avoid confusing with ; emphasizes guarding or defending, often physically.

In conversation, is common in professional or formal contexts, such as healthcare (护士 hùshì, nurse) or security. It can also be used metaphorically to express protecting rights or interests.

Example Sentences

The nurse is responsible for escorting the patient to the operating room.

We should protect the environment and guard our homeland.

He used his hand to protect the child from falling.