How to say "protection" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 保護ほごnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThe general-purpose word for protection: keeping people, rights, or the environment safe from harm. It also covers guardianship and custody, as of a child.
- 防衛ぼうえいnoun, suru verb, transitive verbProtection in the sense of defense: guarding a nation or group against attack or invasion. Choose this when 'protection' means defending against an enemy or threat.
- 予防よぼうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbProtection against something that has not happened yet: preventing illness, accidents, or disasters before they occur. Use it for 'protection against' in the preventive sense, or for 'precaution'.
- 守りまもりnounThe noun form of the verb meaning 'to protect, guard': the act of guarding or defending a person, place, or thing. It suits contexts of watching over or defending, rather than institutional protection.
- 守護しゅごsuru verb, no-adjective, transitive verbProtection in the sense of guardianship: watching over and safeguarding a person or thing, as a guardian or patron does. It is not the everyday word for general protection from harm.
Use 保護 for general protection of people, rights, or things from harm; 防衛 for defense against attack; 予防 for protection against illness or disaster; 「守り」 for the act of guarding; 守護 for watchful guardianship.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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