Meaning
The kanji 守 (mamoru) is a versatile character. Its core meanings revolve around 'guarding,' 'protecting,' 'defending,' 'keeping,' and 'obeying.' Essentially, 守 represents the act of maintaining something's safety or integrity, whether it's a physical object, a person, a rule, or even a promise.
This kanji conveys a strong sense of responsibility, vigilance, and adherence. It often implies taking a proactive stance against potential harm, loss, or neglect. Ultimately, 守 is fundamental for expressing the preservation or safeguarding of anything considered important or vulnerable.
Its etymological origin offers a visual clue. 守 is an ideograph combining two simpler components. The upper part, 宀 (ukanmuri), depicts a 'roof' or 'house.' This symbolizes shelter, a confined space, or anything requiring containment or protection. The lower part, 寸 (sun), originally represented a 'hand' or an 'inch.' In the context of 守, this '寸' is often understood as a hand holding or grasping something, or even a small, watchful presence.
When combined, 守 visually suggests 'a hand guarding or holding what is under a roof.' This powerfully conveys the idea of protecting one's home, property, or family. It encapsulates the fundamental human drive to safeguard what is important, both physically and abstractly.
The visual components directly connect to the kanji's meaning. The 'roof' component suggests the object being protected (e.g., a home, a secret, a rule). Meanwhile, the 'hand' component highlights the active, often diligent, role of an individual or entity in providing that protection or adherence. This makes 守 a key kanji for understanding concepts related to safety, security, and the observance of rules or promises.
This kanji has 6 strokes and is taught in Japanese elementary school in the 3rd grade, making it an essential character for early learners.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi readings are based on the historical pronunciation of the kanji when it was imported from China. For 守, the primary on'yomi are シュ (SHU) and ス (SU), each appearing in different contexts and compound words.
シュ (SHU): This is the more common on'yomi for 守. It frequently appears in compound words related to protection, defense, or conservation, often denoting a guardian, a defensive measure, or the act of keeping something intact.
守衛 (shuei) — guard, doorkeeper, security guard. Example: 守衛が入り口に立っています。(The guard is standing at the entrance.)
保守 (hoshu) — conservatism, maintenance, preservation. Example: 伝統的な保守主義。(Traditional conservatism.)
守備 (shubi) — defense (e.g., in sports), garrison. Example: 野球の守備位置。(A baseball defensive position.)
ス (SU): This on'yomi is less common than シュ, but you'll find it in specific, often more formal or specialized, compound words. These typically emphasize strict adherence or compliance, carrying a nuance of disciplined observance.
厳守 (genshu) — strict observance, strict adherence. Example: 規則を厳守する。(To strictly observe the rules.)
遵守 (junshu) — observance, compliance (with laws, regulations, etc.). Example: 法律を遵守する。(To comply with the law.)
留守 (rusu) — absence from home, being away. Example: 今は留守です。(He is not home right now.)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi readings are the native Japanese pronunciations associated with the kanji's meaning. For 守, the main kun'yomi are まも.る (mamoru), まも.り (mamori), and もり (mori).
まも.る (mamoru): This is the most frequently encountered kun'yomi. It serves as the root for the verb 守る, which means 'to protect,' 'to guard,' 'to defend,' 'to keep,' or 'to obey.' This versatile verb is essential in daily Japanese conversation, applicable to both tangible and abstract concepts.
国を守る (kuni wo mamoru) — to protect the country.
約束を守る (yakusoku wo mamoru) — to keep a promise.
秘密を守る (himitsu wo mamoru) — to keep a secret.
まも.り (mamori): This reading typically forms nouns related to protection, such as 'a guard,' 'protection,' or 'a charm for protection.' It's often found in compound nouns or as a standalone noun, highlighting the protective aspect.
守り (mamori) — protection, guard (as a noun). This can refer to the act of guarding or the state of being guarded.
お守り (omamori) — amulet, charm, talisman (often from shrines/temples for protection or good luck).
もり (mori): This reading is less common in general vocabulary but appears in specific compound nouns. It often refers to a particular type of guardian or keeper, or appears in certain names, implying a role of continuous care or oversight.
子守 (komori) — babysitting, a babysitter, a lullaby (literally 'child-guarding').
墓守 (hakamori) — grave keeper, custodian of a grave. This compound clearly illustrates the 'keeper' aspect of もり.
乳母 (お守) (uba/omori) — wet nurse, nanny. While 乳母 is more common, お守 can also be read as おもり, meaning a caretaker.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 守 forms many essential words in Japanese, encompassing various aspects of protection, observance, and roles. Understanding these compounds is key to building your vocabulary related to safety, responsibility, and social conduct. Here are some key compounds organized by theme:
Protection and Defense
- 守る (mamoru) — to protect, to guard, to defend. This is the basic verb form and one of the most common uses of the kanji.
- 防守 (bōshu) — defense, guard. Often used in formal, military, or strategic contexts to mean defensive action.
- 守護 (shugo) — protection, guardianship, patronage. Historically used for protective deities, feudal guardians, or general safeguarding.
- 守備 (shubi) — defense (especially in sports like baseball), garrison duty. Refers to the defensive side or position.
- 守護神 (shugoshin) — guardian deity, protector god. A god or spirit believed to protect a specific person, place, or group.
- 守り札 (mamorifuda) — protective charm, amulet card. A paper talisman for protection.
Observance and Adherence
- 遵守 (junshu) — observance, compliance (e.g., with laws, rules). Emphasizes diligently following regulations or standards.
- 厳守 (genshu) — strict observance, strict adherence. Denotes no deviation from rules or deadlines.
- 保守 (hoshu) — conservatism, maintenance, preservation. Refers to maintaining existing traditions, conditions, or systems.
- 保守的 (hoshuteki) — conservative (adjective). Describes someone or something that tends to resist change and uphold traditional values.
- 護憲 (goken) — defense of the constitution. A political stance or movement to protect the constitution.
Roles and Absence
- 守衛 (shuei) — guard, doorkeeper, security personnel. A person whose professional role is to protect a building or area.
- 留守 (rusu) — absence from home, being away. Literally means 'remaining absence of the protector' or 'guarding absence.'
- 子守 (komori) — babysitting, a babysitter, a lullaby. Someone who guards or takes care of a child.
- 墓守 (hakamori) — grave keeper, custodian of a grave. A person responsible for maintaining a grave site.
Example Sentences
私は家族を守ります。
Watashi wa kazoku wo mamorimasu.
I will protect my family.
彼は秘密をしっかり守りました。
Kare wa himitsu wo shikkari mamorimashita.
He firmly kept the secret.
試合では守備が重要です。
Shiai de wa shubi ga jūyō desu.
Defense is important in the game.
学校の規則を守るべきです。
Gakkō no kisoku wo mamoru beki desu.
You should obey the school rules.
子供の時はよく子守歌を聞きました。
Kodomo no toki wa yoku komoriuta wo kikimashita.
When I was a child, I often listened to lullabies.
夜間は守衛がビルを巡回します。
Yakan wa shuei ga biru wo junkai shimasu.
The guard patrols the building at night.
法律を遵守することは市民の義務です。
Hōritsu wo junshu suru koto wa shimin no gimu desu.
Complying with the law is a citizen's duty.
家を留守にするときは戸締りをしましょう。
Ie wo rusu ni suru toki wa tojimari wo shimashō.
When you are away from home, lock the doors.
彼は伝統的な価値観を保守しています。
Kare wa dentōteki na kachikan wo hoshu shiteimasu.
He maintains traditional values.
災害から身を守ることが大切です。
Saigai kara mi wo mamoru koto ga taisetsu desu.
It is important to protect yourself from disasters.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 守, visualize a 'roof' (宀) providing shelter. Underneath it, imagine a 'hand' (寸, originally depicting a hand or a small measure) actively 'guarding' or 'keeping safe' what is inside. Picture a vigilant guard (寸) standing watch over a house (宀) to protect its inhabitants and valuables from harm.
This 'hand' component can also remind you of holding onto something precious, such as a secret or a promise, emphasizing the 'keeping' or 'obeying' aspects of 守. This vivid image of a small, watchful hand under a protective roof helps solidify the connection between the components and the core meanings of guarding, protecting, and preserving.