1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “守” (pronounced “shu” or “mamoru”) primarily means “to protect” or “to guard.” It conveys the idea of safeguarding something or someone, often associated with duty and responsibility.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “守” is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字), which means it combines a phonetic component with a semantic component. The left part “守” represents the meaning of protection, while the right part indicates the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “守” is “守” itself, which is often associated with concepts of guarding and protection.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “守” are:
- 守る (mamoru) – to protect
- 守備 (shubi) – defense
- 守護 (shugo) – guardian
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 子供を守ることは親の責任です。
(It is a parent’s responsibility to protect their children.) - 私たちはこの文化を守る必要があります。
(We need to protect this culture.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “護” (go), which also means “to protect” but often implies a more formal or legal protection, such as in “護衛” (goei – escort or guard).
Antonyms: An antonym of “守” is “攻” (kou), which means “to attack.” This represents the opposite action of protection.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “守” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, where protecting family, tradition, and community is highly valued. It is often associated with samurai ethics and the idea of loyalty.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “守りに入る” (mamori ni hairu), which means “to take a defensive stance,” often used in contexts where one is being cautious or protective.