защища́ть
zaščiščátʹimperfective
To protect in Russian is to say защища́ть (zaščiščátʹ). Wiktionary also lists защити́ть (zaščitítʹ) and оберега́ть (oberegátʹ).
Meaning: to keep safe (verb)
Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| защища́ть | zaščiščátʹ | imperfective |
| защити́ть | zaščitítʹ | perfective |
| оберега́ть | oberegátʹ | imperfective |
| бере́чь | beréčʹ | imperfective |
The most general and common verb for protecting someone or something from a threat or attack is защища́ть.
Which one should you use?
защища́ть is the imperfective form, used for ongoing or repeated actions of protecting, while защити́ть is the perfective form, used for a completed act of protection or a single instance of protecting. оберега́ть implies a more tender, careful or constant guarding, often used for protecting something precious or fragile. бере́чь is used when the sense of protecting implies saving or conserving resources, time or health.
How do you pronounce it?
zaščiščátʹ
Did you know?
- The root of защища́ть is shared with the word щит, which means 'shield'. In ancient times, protecting someone literally meant standing in front of them with a physical shield.
- In a formal setting, if you are 'protecting' a thesis or a dissertation, you use защища́ть, treating the academic argument as if it were a fortress under attack.
- The word обере́г is a noun derived from оберега́ть that refers to a magical amulet or lucky charm used for spiritual protection.
Examples in context
- Солдаты были отправлены, чтобы защищать город.The soldiers were sent to protect the city.
- Родители всегда оберегают своих детей.Parents always protect their children.
- Ношение шлема может предохранить вас от травмы головы.Wearing a helmet can protect you from head injuries.
- Я всегда буду защищать тебя, друг.I will always protect you, my friend.
- Ты всегда должен беречь свои мечты.You should always protect your dreams.
- Мы должны защища́ть природу.My dolzhny zashchishchat' prirodu.We must protect nature.
- Закон должен защища́ть права людей.Zakon dolzhen zashchishchat' prava lyudey.The law should protect people's rights.
- Она хочет защища́ть своих детей.Ona khochet zashchishchat' svoikh detey.She wants to protect her children.
Example conversation
Olga and Dmitry are discussing environmental responsibilities at home.
- Ольга OlgaДмитрий, мы должны защища́ть наш лес.Dmitriy, my dolzhny zashchishchat' nash les.Dmitry, we must protect our forest.
- Дмитрий DmitryТы права, Ольга, это важно.Ty prava, Ol'ga, eto vazhno.You are right, Olga, it is important.
- Ольга OlgaГосударство должно защища́ть такие места.Gosudarstvo dolzhno zashchishchat' takiye mesta.The state should protect such places.
- Дмитрий DmitryСогласен, я поддержу тебя.Soglasen, ya podderzhu tebya.Agreed, I will support you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “protect” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
