守り・護り・守|まもりmamori[3]odaka (tail-high)
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Which spelling to use
守り守り is the most common written form and combines kanji with kana. Use it when writing this word in ordinary learner-oriented contexts.
護り護り is less common than 守り and is another spelling that combines kanji with kana. You may encounter it as a variant written form.
守守 is the least common of these forms. It is written entirely in kanji and has irregular okurigana, so it is not the preferred choice for learners.
Definitions
- nounprotection; defense; defence
- nounprovidence
- nounamulet; charm; talisman
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym防御ぼうぎょNeutralDefense (「防御を固める」). More formal than 「守り」 and common in military and sports contexts; 「守り」 is a native word often used in speech.
- Synonym防衛ぼうえいNeutralDefense (「国の防衛」). Typically used for national or military defense.
- Synonym保護ほごNeutralProtection (「自然保護」). Focuses on keeping something safe from harm.
- Synonym防護ぼうごNeutralProtection (「防護服」). Often used for protective gear and equipment.
- Synonym守護しゅごNeutralGuardianship (「守護神」). Carries a divine, religious nuance.
- Synonym警備けいびNeutralSecurity guarding (「警備員」). Common in security contexts.
- Synonym守備しゅびNeutralFielding or defense (「守備位置」). Common in baseball and soccer.
- Synonym擁護ようごNeutralAdvocacy or defense (「人権擁護」). Focuses on upholding rights and interests.
- Synonym防備ぼうびNeutralDefensive preparations (「防備を固める」). Emphasizes advance preparation against attack.
- Synonym警防けいぼうNeutralVigilant guarding; used mainly by fire and police services, and rare.
- Relatedお守りおまもりNeutralA protective charm (「お守りを買う」). Commonly found at shrines.
- RelatedディフェンスNeutralLoanword for defense (「ディフェンスが堅い」). Mostly used in sports.
- Related備えそなえNeutralPreparedness (「備えあれば憂いなし」). Emphasizes being ready in advance.
- RelatedプロテクションNeutralLoanword for protection (「データプロテクション」). Mostly used in technical contexts.
- Related防ぎふせぎNeutralWarding off or preventing (「寒さの防ぎ」). Comparatively rare.
- Related護符ごふNeutralA talisman (「護符を身につける」). Has a religious flavor.
- Related魔除けまよけNeutralA charm against evil (「魔除けの札」). Focuses on warding off evil spirits.
- Related御札おふだNeutralRead おさつ, it means banknotes and has nothing to do with 「守り」; only when written 「御札」 and read おふだ does it mean a sacred talisman.
- Related警固けいごNeutralGuarding or escorting (「要人の警固」). Leans toward written, formal prose.
- AntonymせめNeutralAttack (「攻めの姿勢」). The opposite of 「守り」.
Use 「守り」 for defense, guarding, or a protective charm (「守りを固める」「守りに入る」「お守り」). For formal defense say 「防御」; for national defense 「防衛」; for sports 「守備」 or 「ディフェンス」. The opposite is 「攻め」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also
