wu6護护
Jyutpingwu6
Yalewuh
Definition
To protect, guard, or shield; to make an effort to keep something safe and undamaged.
neutraldaily actionsother
How it's used
This character is rarely used as a standalone verb in spoken Cantonese, functioning primarily as a bound morpheme within compound words. It carries a formal or serious tone, often appearing in contexts related to legal rights, safety, or abstract concepts like reputation. When expressing the act of protecting someone or something in casual speech, speakers almost always prefer the verb 睇住.
Examples
How does he maintain this relationship?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use this as a standalone verb like the English word protect, but it sounds unnatural or overly literary in daily conversation. Always use it as part of a compound word such as 保護 or 維護.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
