(fáng) — to prevent; to guard against; to protect against

Definition

防 (fáng) is a short, focused verb meaning 'guard against / prevent' — narrower than 保护 ('protect', which includes actively keeping safe). Pairs naturally with 止 to form 防止; 阻止 is stronger, used when you actively stop something in progress.

verb
to preventto guard againstto protect against

Examples

  • Duō hē shuǐ kě yǐ fáng gǎn mào.
    Drinking more water can help prevent colds.
  • Zū fáng shí yào zhù yì fáng piàn.
    When renting a house, be careful to guard against scams.
  • Zuò fàn shí yào xiǎo xīn fáng huǒ.
    When cooking, be careful to prevent fire.

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