保佑

• Pinyin: bǎo yòu
• Hanzi breakdown: 保 = 亻 (person) + 呆 (phonetic); 佑 = 亻 (person) + 右 (right/assist)

Meaning

To bless and protect; may (someone) protect; divine protection.

Used when asking for or expressing divine protection or blessing. Often invoked toward deities, ancestors, or fate. Common in prayers, wishes, and expressions of hope for safety or good fortune.

Examples

1. 老人家每天早上都会在佛像前祈祷，求菩萨保佑全家平安。 The elderly woman prays before the Buddha statue every morning, asking for blessings to keep the whole family safe.
2. 考试前她默默念着保佑自己能顺利通过。 Before the exam, she silently prayed for blessings to pass smoothly.
3. 愿上天保佑这趟航班一路平安。 May heaven protect this flight and keep it safe throughout the journey.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, prayer, wishes

Tone: reverent

Do Say

• 求老天保佑一切顺利。(May heaven bless everything to go smoothly.)
• 愿祖先保佑我们平安。(May our ancestors protect us and keep us safe.)

Don't Say

• 对人说'我保佑你' (Don't say 我保佑你 to someone — 保佑 is for divine beings, not ordinary people)

Origin & History

保 (to protect) + 佑 (to bless/help). Divine protection and blessing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal