The word 保守 is formed by combining two characters, each with its own vivid conceptual meaning. The first character, 保, originates from the idea of carrying a child on one's back, conveying a core sense of protection, preservation, and keeping safe. The second, 守, is built from the imagery of a hand under a roof, fundamentally meaning to guard, defend, or hold a position. When fused, the compound creates a reinforced, metaphorical concept: to protect by guarding, or to preserve by holding fast to what is already in place, which directly gives rise to its modern meaning of being conservative or adhering to tradition.