Definition
护 (hù) is the core verb meaning 'to protect', often appearing as the root in compounds like 保护, 爱护, 守护, etc. As a standalone verb, it emphasizes a physical, shielding action (e.g., covering a wound with a hand), whereas 保护 is the general, all-purpose 'protect'. It is less emotional than 爱护 and less formal than 守护.
verb
to protect
Easily confused
- 扁biǎnlook-alikeflat
- 呼hūsound-aliketo call out, to shout
- 湖húsound-alikelake
- 户hùsound-alike(classifier) for households, families, or registered residences
- 壶húsound-alikepot, kettle
- 糊húsound-aliketo paste, to glue
Examples
- 护。Tā yòng shǒu hù zhù shāngkǒu.He used his hand to protect the wound.
- 护，。Māma yìzhí hù zhe háizi, bú ràng tā shòu shāng.The mother kept protecting the child, not letting him get hurt.
- 护。Tā bǎ zhòngyào de wénjiàn hù zài huái lǐ.He held the important documents protectively in his arms.
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