護
safeguard, protect
Readings
On'yomi
- ゴ
Kun'yomi
- まも.る
Nanori
- もり
Meaning
護 centers on actively shielding someone or something from harm: safeguarding, protecting, or keeping safe.
Most common words using 護
22 of 450- 保護ほごN2
protection; safeguard; guardianship; custody; patronage
- 弁護士べんごしN4
lawyer; attorney
- 看護かんごN1
nursing; (army) nurse
- 介護かいごN2
nursing; care; caregiving; caring
- 護衛ごえいN1
guard; convoy; escort
- 弁護べんごN1
defense; defence; pleading; advocacy
- 擁護ようごN1
protection; defence; support; safeguarding; championship; vindication
- 援護えんご
support; help; backing
- 防護ぼうご
protection
- 警護けいご
bodyguard; escort
- 養護ようごN1
nursing; (protective) care
- 愛護あいご
protection; tender care
- 護送ごそう
escort (e.g. under guard); convoy
- 護憲ごけん
protecting the constitution
- 護国ごこく
defense of one's country; defence of one's country
- 護岸ごがん
river dike
- 看護婦かんごふN4
(female) nurse
- 保護者ほごしゃN1
guardian; protector; patron; parent
- 弁護人べんごにん
counsel; defender; advocate
- 看護師かんごしN4
(hospital) nurse; registered nurse; RN
- 環境保護かんきょうほごN2
environmental protection
- 人権擁護じんけんようご
protection of human rights
Study
Etymology
護 combines 言 (words, speech) with 蒦, which likely contributes the sound and carries a sense of guarding or capturing. Together they suggest protecting through verbal or authoritative means.
Meaning mnemonic
Words (言) on the left and a guard-like shape (蒦) on the right: imagine a bodyguard using firm words to shield someone from danger.
Reading mnemonic
For ゴ, picture a guard saying 'Go!' to keep people away from the protected person: Go -> ゴ, and the guard's command safeguards them.