守 (shǒu) - to guard & to defend

守Tone 3

shǒu ｜ 6 strokes ｜ radical: 宀

上姝

守 · shǒu

to guard;

to defend;

to keep;

to observe;

to abide by;

to watch over

to guardto defendto keep

Usage highlights

to defendto guardto keep watchto abide by the lawto keep a secretto maintain

Synonyms

  • 护— to protect; to guard
  • 卫— to defend; to guard
  • 保— to protect; to preserve

Antonyms

  • 攻— to attack; to assault
  • 弃— to abandon; to discard
  • 违— to violate; to disobey

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The soldier guards the border (守边疆).
  • We must abide by the rules (守规矩).
  • He keeps his promises (守信用).
  • The goalkeeper defends the goal (守门员).

Collocations

  • to defend(守卫)
  • to guard(守护)
  • to keep watch(看守)
  • to abide by the law(守法)
  • to keep a secret(守秘密)
  • to maintain(保守)

Idioms

  • Hold on to what is old and stick to the beaten track(守旧)
  • Maintain one's integrity in poverty(守贫)
  • Keep one's word(守信)
  • Guard against arrogance and impatience(守成)
  • Stick to the beaten track(守株待兔)
  • Keep one's chastity(守节)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucian ethics, '守' represents moral integrity and adherence to principles.
  • Traditionally associated with duty, loyalty, and steadfastness in Chinese culture.
  • Military context emphasizes defensive strategy and border protection.

FAQ