予防

• Reading: よぼう
• Romaji: yobou
• Kanji breakdown: 予 (yo) — in advance, beforehand; 防 (bou) — defend, prevent
• Pronunciation: /jo.boː/

Meaning

Prevention; protection (against); precaution. Taking measures to prevent illness or harm.

A suru-verb (予防する) widely used in healthcare contexts. Appears in many compounds: 予防接種 (vaccination), 予防医学 (preventive medicine), 予防策 (preventive measure). Emphasizes proactive action to stop something before it happens.

Examples

1. インフルエンザの予防にはマスクが効果的だ。 Wearing a mask is effective for preventing the flu.
2. 毎年予防接種を受けるようにしている。 I make sure to get vaccinated every year.
3. 病気を予防するためによく手を洗おう。 Let's wash our hands thoroughly to prevent illness.

Usage Guide

Context: health, public health, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 予 (yo, in advance/beforehand) and 防 (bou, to defend/prevent). Literally 'defend in advance,' capturing the proactive nature of prevention.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal