保護
hogo[ho̞ɡo̞]
The English phrase "protection" translates to Japanese as 保護 (hogo).
保護 is a noun meaning a means of keeping or remaining safe. In legal or social contexts, it can refer to the state of being under the custody or care of an authority or a guardian.
Meaning: means of keeping or remaining safe (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 保護 refers to protection or preservation (like of an endangered species or a person), it is distinct from 防護 (bōgo), which refers to physical defense against an attack.
How do you pronounce it?
hogo
Did you know?
- Japanese has several words for 'protection' depending on the source of danger, such as 守護 (shugo) for spiritual or divine protection.
- In Japanese culture, the concept of 'protection' can be expressed as 見守る (mimamoru), which means 'to watch over' someone protectively without interfering.
- The kanji 護 in 保護 is also found in 護身術 (gosinjutsu), which translates to 'the art of protecting one's body' or 'self-defense'.
Examples in context
- 彼女は警察に保護を求めた。She asked the police for protection.This sentence shows how to use 保護 when asking the police for help.Tatoeba #90329 by bunbuku, translation #313385 by CK
- 私には彼女を保護する責任がある。I am responsible for her protection.This sentence demonstrates using 保護 to express responsibility for someone's safety.Tatoeba #164512 by mookeee, translation #249996 by CK
- 鯨を保護しすぎて、魚が減っているので、鯨に食べられる魚も保護されるべきだ。Fish stocks are declining due to over-protection of whales, so fish that whales can eat should also be protected.This sentence illustrates the use of 保護 in the context of preserving species.Tatoeba #181880 by sugisaki, translation #366900 by blay_paul
- 環境保護Environmental protection
- 児童保護Child protection
- 守るぞ！I will protect you!
- 彼女を守るために必死で走った。I ran desperately to protect her.
Example conversation
A father and daughter are discussing a rare animal at a zoo.
- 陽太 Yotaこの動物には、厳重な保護が必要だよ。Kono doubutsu ni wa, genjuu na hogo ga hitsuyou da yo.This animal needs strict protection.
- 陽葵 Himariお父さん、どうしてそんなに大切なの？Otousan, doushite sonna ni taisetsu na no?Dad, why is it so important?
- 陽太 Yota絶滅しないための保護がとても大事なんだ。Zetsumetsu shinai tame no hogo ga totemo daiji nanda.Protection to prevent extinction is very important.
- 陽葵 Himariそっか、守ってあげなきゃね。Sokka, mamotte agenakya ne.I see, we have to protect it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 保護, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
