bou2 wu6保護保护
Jyutpingbou2 wu6
Yalebóu wuh
Definition
To protect or safeguard; the act of keeping someone or something safe from harm, oppression, or encroachment.
neutraldaily actionsother
How it's used
While used in formal contexts, this word is also common in daily life when discussing safety or conservation. It carries a sense of active defense against external threats, whether physical or abstract. Unlike some other verbs, it often implies a sense of responsibility or duty toward the object being shielded.
Examples
We need to protect this environment well.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this word when they mean to simply look after someone, but it specifically implies a threat or danger is present. For general care or looking after, use 照顧 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
