保障する

• Reading: ほしょうする
• Romaji: hoshou suru
• Kanji breakdown: 保 (ho) — preserve, protect; 障 (shou) — barrier, shield
• Pronunciation: /ho.ɕoː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To guarantee; to ensure; to secure. To protect a right or condition so that it is maintained.

A Group 3 (suru) compound verb combining 保障 (guarantee/security) with する. Used for guaranteeing rights, freedoms, safety, or livelihood. Distinct from 保証 (hoshou, warranty/certification of quality) and 補償 (hoshou, compensation for loss). Key collocations include 人権を保障する (guarantee human rights), 安全を保障する (ensure safety), and 社会保障 (social security).

Examples

1. 憲法は国民の基本的人権を保障している。 The constitution guarantees the fundamental human rights of the people.
2. 子供たちの安全が保障される環境を整えるべきだ。 We should create an environment where children's safety is guaranteed.
3. 老後の生活を保障するために年金制度がある。 The pension system exists to secure people's livelihoods in old age.

Usage Guide

Context: law, politics, social welfare, human rights

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 保 (ho, to preserve/protect) + 障 (shou, barrier/shield). Literally 'to protect with a barrier,' conveying the idea of securing something against threats or loss. Distinct from the homophones 保証 (warranty) and 補償 (compensation).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated