also: ほるい
Refers to a military fortification or defensive structure. Often used in historical or military contexts.
Several old forts remain in this area.
The enemy built a fortification and prepared for the attack.
城 refers to a castle, often with residential and administrative functions, whereas 堡塁 is purely a military fortification.
Standard kanji spelling for 'fort' or 'fortress'.
Alternate reading; less common than ほうるい.
Irregular kanji usage; 保 is a common substitute but not standard for this word.
Irregular kanji with alternate reading; very rare.
The kanji 堡 (fort) and 塁 (rampart) combine to mean a defensive fortification. The reading ほうるい is the standard on'yomi; ほるい is a variant. The irregular form 保塁 uses a common kanji with a similar shape.