保存

• Reading: ほぞん
• Romaji: hozon
• Kanji breakdown: 保 (ho) — preserve, maintain; 存 (zon) — exist, be
• Pronunciation: /ho.zoŋ/

Meaning

Preservation; conservation; saving. Keeping something in its current state for future use.

A noun and suru verb (保存する, to preserve/save). Used for both physical preservation (食品の保存 — food preservation) and digital contexts (ファイルを保存する — save a file). Common compounds: 保存料 (preservatives), 保存食 (preserved food), 自然保存 (nature conservation).

Examples

1. データをこまめに保存するのを忘れないで。 Don't forget to save your data regularly.
2. この建物は文化財として保存されている。 This building is preserved as a cultural property.
3. 冷凍保存すれば一ヶ月は持ちます。 If you freeze it, it'll keep for about a month.

Usage Guide

Context: computing, food, culture

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 保 (ho, to preserve/maintain) and 存 (zon/son, to exist). Together, 'maintaining existence' — keeping something as it is.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal