Definitions

shǒu (verb) to guard; to defend; to keep watch
shǒu (verb) to abide by; to observe (rules)
shǒu (adjective) nearby; adjoining

Etymology

Depicts a hand () guarding a building ().

About

The character "守" is etymologically derived from the combination of the roof radical 宀, representing a dwelling, and the component 寸, which conveys the notion of a hand or measured action, originally illustrating the concrete act of guarding a household with attentive care. Its early usage centered on physical protection and custody, such as securing a place or watching over a domain, but over time its semantic scope expanded to encompass abstract duties like adhering to rules, observing laws, and maintaining traditions, reflecting a shift from literal defense to moral or principled steadfastness. While its graphical composition has remained consistent, with the roof element positioned above the hand element, the conceptual evolution from tangible safeguarding to intangible upholding illustrates how the character's applications broadened across centuries, integrating senses of preservation, compliance, and enduring commitment within various contexts.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Jin dynasty (266-420 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

卫我们的国家是军人的职责。

Shǒu wèi wǒmen de guójiā shì jūnrén de zhízé.

It is the soldier's duty to guard our country.

我哥哥是一名门员。

Wǒ gēge shì yī míng shǒuményuán.

My older brother is a goalkeeper.

他答应过的事情就一定会遵

Tā dāyìng guò de shìqíng jiù yīdìng huì zūnshǒu.

He will definitely keep the promise he made.

她独自着那间老房子。

Tā dúzì shǒu zhe nà jiān lǎo fángzi.

She is staying alone, looking after that old house.

这个秘密对我们很重要。

Bǎoshǒu zhège mìmì duì wǒmen hěn zhòngyào.

Keeping this secret is very important to us.

时是一种基本的礼貌。

Shǒu shí shì yī zhǒng jīběn de lǐmào.

Being punctual is a basic courtesy.

在困境中,他一直坚着自己的信念。

Zài kùnjìng zhōng, tā yīzhí jiānshǒu zhe zìjǐ de xìnniàn.

In difficult times, he has always firmly held onto his beliefs.

这家公司以严格法和诚信经营而闻名。

Zhè jiā gōngsī yǐ yángé shǒufǎ hé chéngxìn jīngyíng ér wénmíng.

This company is famous for its strict law-abiding practices and honest operation.