zan3 sau2鎮守镇守

Jyutpingzan3 sau2

Yalejan sáu

動詞

Definition

To guard, garrison, or defend a post.

neutralworkdaily actions

How it's used

This term carries a sense of duty and steadfastness, often implying that someone is stationed at a critical or strategic location. While it can be used in military or formal contexts, it is frequently applied metaphorically to describe someone holding their ground or maintaining control over a specific area or responsibility.

Examples

keoi5佢zan3鎮sau2守zyu6住go3個mun4門hau2口，m4唔bei2畀jan4人jap6入heoi3去。

He is guarding the entrance and won't let anyone in.

bin1邊go3個fu6負zaak3責zan3鎮sau2守ni1呢go3個zung6重jiu3要gong1崗wai2位aa4呀？

Who is responsible for guarding this important post?

Common phrases

zan3鎮sau2守gong1崗wai2位

to guard a post

zan3鎮sau2守bin1邊goeng1疆

to guard the frontier

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 守住, which is a more generic way to say to keep or guard something. 鎮守 implies a more formal or significant role, often involving a sense of authority or a fixed, long-term assignment, whereas 守住 is used for everyday tasks like watching a bag or keeping a door closed.