verb HSK 5
Traditional 守護
shǒu
to guard · to protect · to watch over · to safeguard

Meaning

守护 means to actively protect or watch over something or someone with care and dedication. It combines 守 (to guard/defend) and 护 (to protect), creating a sense of devoted, ongoing protection. The term is commonly used for protecting people, values, traditions, or important things that need careful preservation.

Usage

守护 is a somewhat formal or literary term that carries emotional weight, often implying devotion or duty. It's commonly used in contexts involving protecting loved ones, defending ideals, or safeguarding traditions. Native speakers frequently use it in written language, speeches, and when discussing protecting something precious or meaningful.

Examples

  1. 01
    父母永远守护着自己的孩子。
    yǒng yuǎn shǒu zhe de hái zi.
    Parents forever watch over their children.
  2. 02
    我们要守护这片美丽的森林。
    men yào shǒu zhè piàn měi de sēn lín.
    We must protect this beautiful forest.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 守护
    shǒu shén
    guardian deity, patron saint
  • 守护
    shǒu zhě
    guardian, protector
  • 守护家园
    shǒu jiā yuán
    to protect one's homeland
  • 守护天使
    shǒu tiān shǐ
    guardian angel

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters relate to protection: 守 originally depicted a person keeping watch over a dwelling, while 护 shows a hand (手) offering protection. Together they emphasize active, vigilant protection.

Related