HSK 5, v, 6 strokes, radical 阝, rank #2788, Medium
防
fáng
to defend
HSK 5, v, 6 strokes, radical 阝, rank #2788, Medium
防
fáng
to guard against
HSK 5, v, 6 strokes, radical 阝, rank #2788, Medium
防
fáng
to prevent
HSK 5, v, 6 strokes, radical 阝, rank #2788, Medium
fáng(fang2) T2
1to protect
2to defend
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March 24, 2026
防fáng(fang2)
The character 防 (fáng) means 'to protect' or 'to defend', and it is commonly used in contexts where one is guarding against threats or dangers. It encompasses both physical protection, like security measures, and preventative actions, such as taking precautions against illness or accidents.
Strokes6Radical阝Frequency#2788DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 防 is deeply embedded in traditional practices, such as 防疫 (fáng yì - epidemic prevention), which highlights the importance of safeguarding public health, especially during events like the Lunar New Year when travel increases.
Memory Tip
Imagine a fortress (the radical 防) standing tall against a storm. The fortress symbolizes protection, while the storm represents threats. The sound 'fáng' can be associated with the action of fending off the storm, making it memorable.
Meanings of 防
fáng(fang2)
1to protect
2to defend
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 防
防Simplified
6Strokes
阝Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2788Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3YCTL4HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 防
Podcast: 防
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AI Study Notes for 防
Quick Contrast
防 (fáng) vs 保护 (bǎohù) — use 防 for active defense against threats, while 保护 emphasizes general protection or safeguarding.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a fortress (the radical 防) standing tall against a storm. The fortress symbolizes protection, while the storm represents threats. The sound 'fáng' can be associated with the action of fending off the storm, making it memorable.
Usage Notes
防 is often used in both formal and informal contexts. Common collocations include 防止 (fáng zhǐ - to prevent) and 防护 (fáng hù - to guard/protect). Learners should be careful with the tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with similar-sounding characters.
HSK Study Tips
Although 防 is not an HSK word, it relates to other HSK vocabulary like 保护 (bǎo hù - to protect) and 安全 (ān quán - safety). Students should focus on understanding its usage in different contexts and its combinations with other characters.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 防 is deeply embedded in traditional practices, such as 防疫 (fáng yì - epidemic prevention), which highlights the importance of safeguarding public health, especially during events like the Lunar New Year when travel increases.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 防 with 访 (fǎng - to visit). A common mistake is saying '我想防我的朋友' (Wǒ xiǎng fáng wǒ de péngyǒu), which incorrectly translates to 'I want to protect my friend' instead of the intended meaning of 'to visit my friend.' The correct usage should focus on the context of protection or prevention.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 防
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Grammar Patterns of 防
防 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
This was a sickening attack on a pregnant and defenceless woman.
9
一队队防暴警察紧张待命。
yī duì duì fáng bào jǐng chá jǐn zhāng dài mìng。
Ranks of police in riot gear stood nervously by.
10
多亏一块1/4英寸厚的防弹钢板，他才捡了条命。
duō kuī yī kuài1/4 1/4 yīng cùn hòu de fáng dàn gāng， bǎn ， tā cái jiǎn le。
His life was saved by a quarter-inch-thick bullet-proof steel screen.
Cultural Notes for 防
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 防 is deeply embedded in traditional practices, such as 防疫 (fáng yì - epidemic prevention), which highlights the importance of safeguarding public health, especially during events like the Lunar New Year when travel increases.
Word Family of 防
Compounds1
埅
Words Containing This Character20
防fángto protect
防止fángzhǐto prevent
消防xiāofángfirefighting
防守fángshǒuto defend
预防yùfángto prevent預防
防御fángyùdefense防禦
防治fángzhìto prevent and cure
防护fánghùto defend防護
以防万一prepared for any eventualities以防萬一
防范fángfànwariness防範
国防部Defense Department國防部
国防guófángnational defense國防
防卫fángwèito defend防衛
防火墙fánghuǒqiángfirewall防火牆
防备to guard against防備
防火to protect against fire
国防部长Defense secretary國防部長
以防to prevent
消防队fire brigade消防隊
防线defensive line or perimeter防線
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 防 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 防
Common phrases that include 防 (fáng) are 防疫 (fángyì), meaning 'disease prevention,' and 防止 (fángzhǐ), meaning 'to prevent.' These phrases highlight the protective aspect of the character in various contexts.
Yes, 防 (fáng) is commonly used in everyday conversation, especially in contexts related to safety and prevention. It is important in discussions about health, security, and risk management.
防 (fáng) means to protect, defend, or guard against something. It is often used in the context of preventing harm or danger.
You can use 防 (fáng) in sentences like '我们需要防止事故发生' (Wǒmen xūyào fángzhǐ shìgù fāshēng), which means 'We need to prevent accidents from happening.' It emphasizes the action of taking measures to ensure safety.
You can say '我们要防止火灾' (Wǒmen yào fángzhǐ huǒzāi), meaning 'We need to prevent fires.'
No, 防 can also refer to preventive measures in health and safety contexts.
Some synonyms include 保护 (bǎo hù - to protect) and 阻止 (zǔ zhǐ - to stop/prevent).
