守

• Pinyin: shǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 守 = 宀 (roof) + 寸 (hand/inch), meaning to protect what is under one's roof

Meaning

To guard; to keep watch; to defend; to abide by.

A versatile verb meaning to guard or protect a place, to stay and keep watch, or to abide by rules and promises. Appears in many common compounds like 守时 (punctual), 守护 (to protect), and 遵守 (to comply with).

Examples

1. 保安每天晚上守在公司大门口。 The security guard stands watch at the company entrance every night.
2. 你能帮我守一会儿行李吗？ Can you watch my luggage for a moment?
3. 小狗一直守在主人身边不肯离开。 The little dog stayed by its owner's side and refused to leave.

Usage Guide

Context: security, everyday, rules

Tone: responsible

Do Say

• 请你帮我守一下这个位子。(Please help me save this seat for a moment.)
• 做人要守信用。(One should keep one's word.)

Don't Say

• 我守了这本书很久。(Don't use 守 for keeping or possessing objects — use 保留 or 留着. 守 means to guard or watch over.)

Origin & History

Originally depicted a hand under a roof (宀 + 寸), meaning to guard or maintain a household.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal