fong4 sau2防守
Jyutpingfong4 sau2
Yalefòhng sáu
Definition
To defend or stand on guard against attack.
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How it's used
Beyond military or sports contexts, this term is frequently used metaphorically in business or personal life to describe taking a cautious approach to protect one's current position or assets. It carries a sense of reactive strategy rather than proactive expansion. When used in sports, it often pairs with the particle 咗 or 得 to describe the quality of the defensive effort.
Examples
You are responsible for defending the left side, don't let anyone pass.
They are defending very solidly, it's hard to score a goal.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 保護, which means to protect someone or something from harm. While 保护 can sometimes overlap with defending, 防守 specifically implies a strategic, often competitive, stance against an opponent's attempt to gain ground.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
