Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
捍卫 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
捍卫hànwèito defendHSK 7, v, 13 strokes, rank #8715, Very Hard
捍卫hànwèito upholdHSK 7, v, 13 strokes, rank #8715, Very Hard
捍卫hànwèito safeguardHSK 7, v, 13 strokes, rank #8715, Very Hard
hànwèi(han4wei4) T4
  1. 1to defend
  2. 2to uphold
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

捍卫(捍衛)hànwèi(han4wei4)

The verb 捍卫 (hànwèi) means to defend, uphold, or safeguard something, such as a principle, belief, or territory. It is commonly used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about rights, justice, or national security, conveying a strong sense of commitment and protection.

Strokes13Frequency#8715DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 捍卫 is often associated with loyalty to one's country or community, reflecting the value placed on collective identity and responsibility. Historical events, such as national defense efforts, frequently invoke the term.

Memory Tip

Imagine a knight (捍) standing firmly (卫) on a castle wall, safeguarding the kingdom. The character 捍 (hàn) looks like a knight holding a shield, while 卫 (wèi) resembles a wall protecting against invaders. Together, they create a vivid image of a defender.

Meanings of 捍卫

hànwèi(han4wei4)
1to defend
2to uphold
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 捍卫

捍卫Simplified
捍衛Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#8715Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 捍卫

JasonAmy

Podcast: 捍卫

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 捍卫

Quick Contrast

维护 (wéihù) vs 捍卫 (hànwèi): Use 捍卫 when emphasizing a strong defense or protection, while 维护 is more about maintaining or preserving.

Usage Notes

Be sure to use 捍卫 in contexts that require a strong and formal tone, as it is not typically used in casual conversation. Common collocations include 捍卫权利 (defend rights) and 捍卫国家 (safeguard the nation). Watch out for the correct tones: hàn and wèi.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 捍卫 connects to themes of social justice and national pride often found in advanced texts. Students should focus on using this word in formal writing and speeches, as well as understanding its connotations of loyalty and duty.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 捍卫 with 保卫 (bǎowèi), which is less intense. For example, saying '我保卫我的观点' (I protect my viewpoint) is incorrect; it should be '我捍卫我的观点' to convey a stronger defense.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 捍卫

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 捍卫 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

捍hànto defend, to guard; to ward off
10 strokes扌
View full entry
卫wèivassal state during the Zhou Dynasty (1066-221 BC), located in present day Henan and Hebei Provinces
HSK 53 strokes乛
View full entry

How to say to defend in Chinese

“to defend” in Chinese is捍卫hànwèi

The verb 捍卫 (hànwèi) means to defend, uphold, or safeguard something, such as a principle, belief, or territory. It is commonly used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about rights, justice, or national security, conveying a strong sense of commitment and protection.

When to use 捍卫

Be sure to use 捍卫 in contexts that require a strong and formal tone, as it is not typically used in casual conversation. Common collocations include 捍卫权利 (defend rights) and 捍卫国家 (safeguard the nation). Watch out for the correct tones: hàn and wèi.

捍卫 or something close to it

维护 (wéihù) vs 捍卫 (hànwèi): Use 捍卫 when emphasizing a strong defense or protection, while 维护 is more about maintaining or preserving.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 捍卫 with 保卫 (bǎowèi), which is less intense. For example, saying '我保卫我的观点' (I protect my viewpoint) is incorrect; it should be '我捍卫我的观点' to convey a stronger defense.

Write 捍卫

捍
卫

Practice writing 捍卫 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 捍卫

捍卫 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 3 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

贝内特发起了一场____“道德价值”、反对腐朽堕落的“自由相对论”的战争。

Bennett launched a crusade for "moral values" against decadent "liberal relativism."

Example Sentences for 捍卫 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
贝内特发起了一场捍卫“道德价值”、反对腐朽堕落的“自由相对论”的战争。

bèi nèi tè fā qǐ le yī cháng hàn wèi“ “ dào dé jià”、 zhí ”、 fǎn duì fǔ xiǔ duò“ luò de “ zì yóu” xiāng duì lùn。

Bennett launched a crusade for "moral values" against decadent "liberal relativism."

Frequently Asked Questions about 捍卫

No, 捍卫 is typically used in formal contexts and should be reserved for serious discussions.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 捍卫?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.