保障

• Pinyin: bǎo zhàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 保 = 亻 (person) + 呆 (phonetic); 障 = 阝 (mound) + 章 (chapter/badge)

Meaning

To safeguard; guarantee; security; protection.

As a verb, means to ensure or protect rights, interests, or conditions. As a noun, refers to the systems or measures that provide security, such as social security, legal protections, or safety nets.

Examples

1. 政府出台了一系列政策保障低收入群体的基本生活。 The government has introduced a series of policies to safeguard the basic living standards of low-income groups.
2. 合同明确规定了双方的权益保障条款。 The contract clearly specifies the clauses protecting the rights and interests of both parties.
3. 医疗保障体系的完善是社会进步的重要标志。 The improvement of the healthcare system is an important sign of social progress.

Usage Guide

Context: policy, law, social welfare

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 法律保障公民的基本权利。(The law safeguards citizens' basic rights.)
• 社会保障制度很重要。(The social security system is very important.)

Don't Say

• 对日常小事用'保障' (Don't use 保障 for trivial everyday matters — it's typically for significant rights or welfare)

Origin & History

保 (to protect) + 障 (barrier/shield). To provide protective barriers.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal