(bǎo) - to protect & to defend

Tone 3

bǎo | 9 strokes | radical: 亻

· bǎo

to protect;

to defend;

to guarantee;

to ensure;

to maintain;

to preserve.

to protectto defendto guarantee

Usage highlights

to protectinsuranceto guaranteenannymaintenancesecurity guard

Synonyms

  • to protect; to guard
  • to defend; to guard
  • to guard; to defend

Antonyms

  • to harm; to damage
  • to destroy; to ruin
  • to injure; to wound

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He works in insurance (保险).
  • We must protect the environment (保护环境).
  • The nanny takes care of the child (保姆).
  • This product has a one-year warranty (保修).

Collocations

  • to protect(保护)
  • insurance(保险)
  • to guarantee(保证)
  • nanny(保姆)
  • maintenance(保养)
  • security guard(保安)

Idioms

  • To protect oneself by staying out of trouble(明哲保身)
  • To protect the nation and bring peace to the people(保国安民)
  • To protect the emperor on a journey(保驾护行)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character originally depicted a person carrying a child on their back, symbolizing protection and care.
  • In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of '保' extends to family lineage, health, and social stability.
  • It is a common element in names, conveying wishes for safety, health, and protection.

FAQ