Definition
守 (shǒu) has three main meanings: to guard/defend (a place), to abide by (rules), and to keep (a secret/promise). For 'guard', 守护 (shǒuhù) emphasizes dedicated long-term protection. For 'abide by', 遵守 (zūnshǒu) is the standard two-character verb. For 'keep a secret', 保守 (bǎoshǒu) is used, while 守 appears in set phrases like 守时 (be on time).
verb
to guardto defendto keep watchto abide byto observe (rules, law, discipline)to keepto maintain (a secret, a promise)
Easily confused
- 手shǒusound-alikehand
- 受shòusound-aliketo receive, to accept (a gift, education, etc.)
- 首shǒusound-alike(classifier) for songs, poems, and pieces of music
- 收shōusound-aliketo receive, to accept
- 瘦shòusound-alikethin, slim (for people and animals)
Examples
- 守。Shìbīngmen rìyè shǒuzhe biānjìng.The soldiers guard the border day and night.
- 。Měi gè rén dōu yīngdāng zūnshǒu fǎlǜ.Everyone should abide by the law.
- 守。Wǒmen yídìng yào shǒu zhù zhège mìmì.We must keep this secret.
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