Protect, Guard, Obey

Interesting Fact

The character 守 combines 宀, representing a roof or building, with 寸, a component historically associated with the hand. The basic image is something being kept under a roof and watched over. This fits the ancient idea of protecting a place or possession. In Japanese, that same concept developed into words such as 守る（まもる）, “to protect,” and 守衛（しゅえい）, “guard.” The kanji therefore carries an old image of someone staying close by to protect what is inside.