辩护

• Pinyin: biàn hù
• Hanzi breakdown: 辩 = 辛 + 言 + 辛 (debate); 护 = 扌 (hand) + 户 (door) — to guard

Meaning

To defend; to speak in defense of; to advocate for.

Primarily used in legal contexts for a lawyer defending a client, but also used broadly for defending someone's actions, reputation, or position against criticism. Implies standing up for someone or something.

Examples

1. 他聘请了全国最好的律师为自己辩护。 He hired the best lawyer in the country to defend him.
2. 不管他犯了什么错，我都会为他辩护，因为他是我兄弟。 No matter what he's done wrong, I'll defend him because he's my brother.
3. 她试图为公司的决定辩护，但理由并不充分。 She tried to defend the company's decision, but her reasoning wasn't convincing.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, defense, advocacy

Tone: defensive

Do Say

• 他有权为自己辩护。(He has the right to defend himself.)
• 谁来为他辩护？(Who will defend him?)

Don't Say

• 用辩护形容攻击 (Don't use 辩护 for attacking someone — it means defending, not accusing)

Origin & History

辩 (argue) + 护 (protect). To argue in protection of someone.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal