1to defend, to guard, to protect; shelter; endorse
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March 24, 2026
護hù(hu4)
The character 護 (hù) means to defend, guard, or protect someone or something. It is commonly used in contexts related to safety, security, and endorsement, such as in legal or personal matters where protection is necessary.
Strokes21Radical言Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of protection is deeply rooted in familial and societal values, reflecting the importance of safeguarding one's family and community. For example, the idea of 護家 (hùjiā) emphasizes protecting one's home and family.
Memory Tip
Imagine a protective shield (the radical 讠, meaning 'speech' or 'words') surrounding a heart. This visual can help you remember that 護 involves shielding something dear to you, while the pronunciation 'hù' sounds like 'who,' as in 'who will protect?'.
Meanings of 護
hù(hu4)
1to defend, to guard, to protect; shelter; endorse
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 護
護Simplified
21Strokes
言Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 護
Podcast: 護
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AI Study Notes for 護
Quick Contrast
保护 (bǎohù) vs 守护 (shǒuhù) — use 護 (hù) for a focus on defense or guarding, while 保护 (bǎohù) emphasizes general protection, and 守护 (shǒuhù) suggests a more vigilant or watchful form of guarding.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a protective shield (the radical 讠, meaning 'speech' or 'words') surrounding a heart. This visual can help you remember that 護 involves shielding something dear to you, while the pronunciation 'hù' sounds like 'who,' as in 'who will protect?'.
Usage Notes
This character is often used in formal or legal contexts, such as 護照 (hùzhào), meaning 'passport'. Be careful with the tone, as 'hù' should be pronounced with a falling tone, which can change the meaning if mispronounced.
HSK Study Tips
Though 護 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to other words related to protection and security. Students should focus on the radicals and compounds that include 護 to understand its usage better.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of protection is deeply rooted in familial and societal values, reflecting the importance of safeguarding one's family and community. For example, the idea of 護家 (hùjiā) emphasizes protecting one's home and family.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 護 with similar-sounding characters like 虎 (hǔ, meaning 'tiger'), which can lead to miscommunication. For instance, saying 護虎 instead of 護家 can create confusion, as the meanings are quite different.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 護
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Cultural Notes for 護
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of protection is deeply rooted in familial and societal values, reflecting the importance of safeguarding one's family and community. For example, the idea of 護家 (hùjiā) emphasizes protecting one's home and family.
Word Family of 護
Words Containing This Character20
保护bǎohùto protect保護
维护wéihùto defend維護
护hùto protect護
护士hùshinurse護士
辩护biànhùto defend辯護
护理hùlǐto nurse護理
救护车jiùhùchēambulance救護車
掩护yǎnhùto screen掩護
护照hùzhàopassport護照
防护fánghùto defend防護
守护shǒuhùto guard守護
环境保护environmental protection環境保護
医护medic醫護
护送to escort護送
爱护àihùto cherish愛護
监护jiānhùto act as a guardian監護
拥护yōnghùto endorse擁護
保护区conservation district保護區
护卫to guard護衛
呵护hēhùto bless呵護
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 保护 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 護
Common phrases include 護照 (hùzhào) for 'passport', and 護理 (hùlǐ) meaning 'nursing'.
It is more frequently used in written language or formal contexts rather than in casual conversation.
You can remember it by associating 'hù' with 'who' as in 'who will protect you?'
