ZHIZHI 知止 · LEARN CHINESE DAILY
保
to protect; to keep
bǎo
9 strokes · 亻 (person) + 呆 — an adult carrying a child on the back · HSK 3
Where 保 comes from
The oracle form shows an adult with a child strapped to the back: protecting what is precious. Carrying safely became guaranteeing, preserving, insuring.
保 in Chinese culture
保护 to protect, 保险 insurance ('protect against danger'), 保证 to guarantee, 环保 eco-friendly (环境保护 shortened). A bodyguard is 保镖 — protection as a profession.
Example
保护 bǎohù — to protect
我们要保护环境。
Wǒmen yào bǎohù huánjìng.
We must protect the environment.
How to remember it
A PERSON carrying a CHILD — PROTECT and KEEP safe.
保险 'insurance' literally reads 'protect-danger' — the industry's whole pitch in two characters.
Same sound, different tones
Words unlocked by 保
保护 bǎohù
to protect
保证 bǎozhèng
to guarantee
Related characters
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