保管

• Pinyin: bǎo guǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 保 = 亻 (person) + 呆 (phonetic); 管 = 竹 (bamboo) + 官 (official)

Meaning

To safeguard; to keep in custody; safekeeping.

As a verb, means to take care of something on behalf of someone else, ensuring its safety. As a noun, refers to the act of safekeeping or the person responsible for it. Also used colloquially to mean 'guaranteed' or 'for sure.'

Examples

1. 贵重物品请交给前台保管，我们会妥善处理。 Please leave your valuables with the front desk for safekeeping; we'll handle them properly.
2. 这批档案由专人保管，未经授权不得查阅。 These archives are kept by designated personnel and cannot be accessed without authorization.
3. 你按我说的做，保管没问题。 Do as I say, and I guarantee there won't be any problems.

Usage Guide

Context: service, business, everyday

Tone: responsible

Do Say

• 请帮我保管一下钥匙。(Please keep my keys safe for me.)
• 你照我说的办，保管成功。(Do as I say, and success is guaranteed.)

Don't Say

• 对借走不还的东西说'保管' (Don't use 保管 when someone takes something without intending to return it — 保管 implies temporary custody)

Origin & History

保 (to protect) + 管 (to manage). To protect and manage something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal