护照

• Pinyin: hù zhào
• Hanzi breakdown: 护 (hù) — to protect, to guard; 照 (zhào) — certificate, to illuminate

Meaning

Passport. The official government document used for international travel identification.

Essential for international travel. In China, passports are issued by the public security bureau. Also used figuratively in expressions, but primarily refers to the physical travel document.

Examples

1. 出国旅行需要带护照。 You need to bring a passport for traveling abroad.
2. 我的护照下个月就到期了。 My passport expires next month.
3. 请把护照给我看一下。 Please let me see your passport.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, official documents, airport

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 你的护照带了吗？(Did you bring your passport?)
• 我要去办护照。(I need to go get a passport.)

Don't Say

• 不要把身份证叫护照 (Don't call an ID card a 护照 — 身份证 is for domestic use, 护照 is for international travel)

Origin & History

Compound of 护 (to protect, to guard) and 照 (certificate, document). Literally a 'protective document' for travelers.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal