守備

• Reading: しゅび
• Romaji: shubi
• Kanji breakdown: 守 (shu/mamo) — protect, guard; 備 (bi/sona) — prepare, equip
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.bi/

Meaning

Defence; guarding. Protecting against attack, especially in sports or military contexts.

A noun and suru-verb primarily used in sports and military contexts. In baseball, 守備 refers to fielding and defensive play, as in 守備が上手い (good at defence). Also used figuratively in expressions like 守備範囲 (area of responsibility, range of expertise). Contrasts with 攻撃 (attack, offence). The compound 守備力 means 'defensive capability.'

Examples

1. あの選手は守備が上手くてエラーがほとんどない。 That player is great on defense and barely makes any errors.
2. チームの守備力が今シーズンの勝因だった。 The team's defensive strength was the reason they won this season.
3. それは私の守備範囲外なので別の担当者に聞いてください。 That's outside my area of responsibility, so please ask someone else in charge.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, military, figurative

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Chinese 守備. 守 (shu) means 'protect, guard' and 備 (bi) means 'prepare, equip, defence.' Together: 'to guard and be prepared' — defensive readiness.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal