护

護

hù

户 + 扌

HSK 3.0Level 7

Definitions

hù (verb) to protect; to guard; to shield

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 扌 represents the meaning and 户 represents the sound. Simplified form of 護.

About

护 is a simplified form of 護. The traditional character combines 言 (speech) with the phonetic 蒦, pointing to protection that originally centered on verbal defense or speaking up. In the simplified version, 言 is replaced by 扌 (hand), shifting the meaning toward physical protection, while the right side becomes the phonetic 户 (door). A door naturally suggests shelter and safety, quietly reinforcing the idea of guarding, defending, or shielding from harm.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他努力保护环境。

Tā nǔlì bǎohù huánjìng.

He works hard to protect the environment.

护士照顾病人。

Hùshi zhàogù bìngrén.

The nurse takes care of patients.

我们维护和平。

Wǒmen wéihù hépíng.

We safeguard peace.

她护送孩子上学。

Tā hùsòng háizi shàngxué.

She escorts the child to school.

医生和护士都很辛苦。

Yīshēng hé hùshi dōu hěn xīnkǔ.

Doctors and nurses are both very hardworking.

这个护身符是奶奶给的。

Zhège hùshēnfú shì nǎinai gěi de.

This amulet was given by grandma.

政府采取了措施来防护自然灾害。

Zhèngfǔ cǎiqǔle cuòshī lái fánghù zìrán zāihài.

The government has taken measures to protect against natural disasters.

为了保护濒危动物，我们建立了自然保护区。

Wèile bǎohù bīnwēi dòngwù, wǒmen jiànlìle zìrán bǎohùqū.

In order to protect endangered animals, we have established natural protection zones.

Related Characters

Component: 户

Component: 扌

护