Word
守る
Meaning in Englishprotect, defend, keep a rule
Animated kanji stroke order
Sentence
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Word context
What it means
守る means to protect or guard someone or something from harm, to keep safe, to defend against threat, to watch over and shield; it also extends to obeying rules or duties and preserving what one holds dear.
Main meanings
- protecting a person or place from physical harm or danger
- guarding against loss, damage, or theft
- keeping a commitment, promise, or duty; preserving safety or confidentiality
- observing rules, laws, or social norms; adhering to guidelines
- watching over someone or something to ensure their safety or well-being
How to use it
守る is used across registers from everyday speech to formal writing, and covers physical protection, guardianship of people or property, and abstract duties such as following laws or keeping a promise; in casual use it describes looking after someone or maintaining safety, while in formal contexts it appears in policy or military language meaning to defend or safeguard.
Variants and close terms
- to protect, guard; romaji: mamoru
- to maintain or keep; romaji: tamotsu
- to prevent or ward off; romaji: fusegu
- to defend or guard (in a strategic or formal sense); romaji: shubi suru
- antonym: to break a rule; romaji: yaburu
Composition
- 宀 roof: protection, shelter
- 寸 inch: small measure, implying care and precision
- the combination expresses protecting or guarding by providing shelter and careful oversight
Word class
verb (godan, ru-ending)
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