护 (hù) — to protect
Definition
护 (hù) is the single-character 'protect' verb, usually paired with an object (护住, 护着) rather than standing alone. Compared with 保护, it focuses on the physical act of shielding; 爱护/呵护 stress emotional care.
verb
to protect
Examples
- 护。Tā yòng shǒu hù zhù shāng kǒu.He used his hand to protect the wound.
- 护，。Mā ma yì zhí hù zhe hái zi, bú ràng tā shòu shāng.The mother kept protecting the child, not letting him get hurt.
- 护。Tā bǎ zhòng yào de wén jiàn hù zài huái lǐ.He held the important documents protectively in his arms.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
护 combines 扌 (the hand form 手) with 户, which gives the sound hù.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.