自卫

• Pinyin: zì wèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 自 = 自 (self); 卫 = simplified form (to guard/defend)

Meaning

To defend oneself; self-defence. The act of protecting oneself from attack or harm.

Used in legal, military, and everyday contexts. In law, 正当防卫 is the formal legal term; 自卫 is the common expression. Also used figuratively for protecting one's interests or reputation.

Examples

1. 面对歹徒的袭击，她奋力自卫，成功脱身。 When attacked by the assailant, she fought back and managed to escape.
2. 国家有权采取必要措施进行自卫，以维护领土完整。 A country has the right to take necessary measures in self-defense to safeguard its territorial integrity.
3. 掌握一定的自卫技能对于独居女性来说非常重要。 Having some basic self-defense skills is very important for women who live alone.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, military, personal safety

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 在遭受非法侵害时，公民有权依法进行自卫。(When subjected to unlawful harm, citizens have the right to defend themselves in accordance with the law.)
• 这套自卫技术简单实用，特别适合普通市民学习。(These self-defence techniques are simple and practical, particularly suitable for ordinary citizens to learn.)

Don't Say

• 自卫攻击别人 — 自卫 implies defensive action only; using it to describe offensive behaviour is legally and logically incorrect

Origin & History

自 (self) + 卫 (to guard/defend)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal