国防

• Pinyin: guó fáng
• Hanzi breakdown: 国 = 囗 (enclosure) + 玉 (jade); 防 = 阜 (mound/hill) + 方 (square/side) — a rampart on the side of a hill

Meaning

National defence; the military and strategic measures a country takes to protect its sovereignty and security.

Covers military readiness, border protection, civil defence, and national security policy. Used in official, political, and academic contexts. Common in policy documents, news reports, and speeches about military affairs.

Examples

1. 国家将持续加大对国防科技创新的投入力度。 The country will continue to increase investment in innovation in defense science and technology.
2. 国防建设必须与经济发展协调推进，不可偏废。 National defense development must advance in coordination with economic development; neither can be neglected.
3. 青年人有义务了解国防知识，增强忧患意识。 Young people have a duty to learn about national defense and strengthen their sense of preparedness.

Usage Guide

Context: military, politics, national security

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 政府出台了一系列加强国防实力的政策措施。(The government has introduced a series of policy measures to strengthen national defence.)
• 国防现代化是实现强国目标的重要支撑。(The modernisation of national defence is a crucial pillar for achieving the goal of a powerful nation.)

Don't Say

• 我们公司的国防很好 — 国防 refers only to a country's military defence; for internal security or protection use 防护 or 保护措施

Origin & History

国 (nation) + 防 (defend, guard)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal