庇う

• Reading: かばう
• Romaji: kabau
• Kanji breakdown: 庇 (hi/kaba) — protect, shelter, eaves
• Pronunciation: /ka.ba.ɯ/

Meaning

To protect someone; to defend; to cover for; to stick up for. To shield someone from blame or harm.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb meaning to shield or protect someone, particularly from criticism, punishment, or harm. Unlike 守る (which is broader protection), 庇う specifically implies defending someone who may be at fault or in a vulnerable position. Can also mean protecting an injured body part (足を庇う = favour an injured leg).

Examples

1. 友達が嘘をついたのを庇ってしまった。 I ended up covering for my friend who had lied.
2. 痛めた右足を庇って左足に負担がかかった。 By favoring my injured right leg, I put extra strain on my left.
3. いくら庇っても彼の責任は明らかだ。 No matter how much you cover for him, his responsibility is clear.

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal, sports injuries, moral dilemmas

Tone: protective

Origin & History

The kanji 庇 combines 广 (roof/shelter) and 比 (compare/align), originally meaning an eave or awning that shelters from rain. Extended to mean sheltering or protecting a person.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal