How to say "protect" in Japanese

• 守るまもるJLPT N3approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThe default verb for keeping someone or something safe from harm; it covers guarding and defending, as in protecting one's family or defending a position against attack.
  あなたは、自分じぶんの家族かぞくを守まもらなければならない。↗

  You have to protect your family.
• かばうCommon
  godan verb, transitive verbFor shielding a person: stepping in to protect them from harm, criticism, or blame, or covering for their mistakes; it also covers looking after something like an injured leg. Usually written in kana alone.
  世間せけんの非難ひなんから僕ぼくをかばってくれませんか。↗

  Will you screen me from public censure?
• 囲うかこうCommon
  godan verb, transitive verbRarely the word you want for plain 'protect': it means to shelter or hide someone, as in harboring a criminal — taking a person in and keeping them concealed rather than guarding them from harm.

Use 「守る」 for the general sense of guarding or defending someone or something from harm; 「かばう」 when you shield or cover for a person; 「囲う」 is mainly for sheltering or hiding someone, so it rarely translates plain 'protect'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 守るまもるto protect
• かばうto protect (someone)
• 助け守るたすけまもるto protect
• 囲うかこうto shelter (e.g. a criminal)