At the A1 level, you don't need to use '保護する' (hogo suru) often, but you might see it in simple places like signs or apps. It's a formal way to say 'to protect.' Think of it like a superhero protecting someone, but in a more official way. For now, you can just remember that it's related to the easier word '守る' (mamoru), which also means to protect. You might see it on your phone or computer in Japanese—if you see '保護,' it usually means your data is safe. A very simple sentence would be 'Nature is important, so we protect it.' In Japanese: '自然を保護します' (Shizen o hogo shimasu). Don't worry about the difficult kanji yet; just focus on the sound 'hogo' and the fact that it's a 'suru' verb. It's like 'protection-doing.'
By A2, you should recognize '保護する' as a more formal version of '守る.' You will encounter it when talking about animals or the environment. For example, 'We must protect the forest' (森を保護しなければなりません). You might also hear it in the context of 'hogo-sha,' which means 'parent' or 'guardian' in school contexts. If you are learning about Japanese society, this word is useful. It's a 'suru' verb, so it's easy to conjugate: '保護します' (polite), '保護した' (past), '保護しない' (negative). It's most commonly used with the particle 'を' (o) because you are protecting 'something.' Try to use it when you want to sound a bit more serious or professional than using '守る.'
At the B1 level, '保護する' is a key vocabulary word. You are now expected to discuss social issues, the environment, and technology. You should use '保護する' when discussing environmental conservation (環境保護) or protecting personal information (個人情報の保護). You should also be comfortable with the passive form, '保護される' (to be protected). This is very common in news stories about rescued people or animals. For example, 'The lost cat was rescued/taken into protection' (迷い猫が保護された). You should also learn the pattern 'AをBから保護する' (Protect A from B), such as 'Protecting the eyes from the sun.' This level is where you start to distinguish 'hogo suru' from other similar verbs like 'fusegu' (to prevent).
At the B2 level, you should be able to use '保護する' in formal writing and debates. You'll use it to discuss intellectual property rights (著作権を保護する), human rights, and government policies. You should understand the nuance that '保護する' implies a power dynamic where a stronger entity (like the law or a government) is looking after a weaker or more vulnerable entity. You will also see it in academic texts. You should be able to use it in complex sentences with 'ために' (in order to) or 'ことによって' (by means of). For instance, 'By protecting the indigenous culture, we can maintain diversity.' You should also be familiar with related nouns like '保護貿易' (protective trade/protectionism).
At the C1 level, your use of '保護する' should be precise and nuanced. You'll distinguish it from '保全する' (to conserve/maintain) and '維持する' (to maintain). You will use it in legal contexts, such as '保護法益' (legally protected interests) or '証人保護プログラム' (witness protection program). You should be able to read and write formal reports using this word. You'll also encounter it in historical and sociological contexts, discussing how certain groups were 'protected' (or marginalized under the guise of protection) by the state. Your understanding of the kanji (保 - preserve, 護 - safeguard) should help you decode even more complex compound words in specialized fields like law, medicine, or environmental policy.
At the C2 level, '保護する' is a tool for sophisticated discourse. You understand its philosophical implications in political science—the balance between 'protection' and 'autonomy.' You can use it in high-level literary or technical translations. You are familiar with its use in very specific legal doctrines, such as '信認保護の原則' (the principle of protection of reliance). You can discuss the nuances between '保護' (protection), '庇護' (patronage/asylum), and '守護' (divine protection/guardianship). At this level, you aren't just using the word; you're using it to navigate the complexities of Japanese legal, social, and technical systems with the same precision as a highly educated native speaker.

保護する in 30 Sekunden

  • A formal verb meaning 'to protect' or 'to conserve' used in official, legal, or environmental contexts.
  • Commonly used for nature, animals, personal data, and protecting vulnerable people like lost children.
  • Different from 'mamoru' (general protect) as it implies systematic care or legal safeguarding.
  • Often appears in the passive form 'hogo sareru' in news reports about rescues.

The Japanese verb 保護する (hogo suru) is a formal and versatile term that translates primarily to "to protect," "to conserve," "to safeguard," or "to preserve." While the English word "protect" can be used in almost any context, 保護する carries a specific nuance of institutional, legal, or environmental care. It is composed of two kanji: (ho), meaning to keep or preserve, and (go), meaning to safeguard or defend. Together, they describe the act of keeping something safe from harm, decay, or external threats through active management or legal frameworks.

Environmental Context
In environmental science and activism, this word is the standard term for conserving nature. Whether it is a forest, a coral reef, or an endangered species, 保護する implies a systematic effort to prevent destruction. For example, 自然を保護する (shizen o hogo suru) means to conserve nature.
Social and Legal Context
When talking about human rights or the welfare of vulnerable individuals, 保護する is used to describe the state or an organization providing safety. This includes child protection (児童を保護する) and protecting the rights of minorities or refugees. It suggests a paternalistic or authoritative shield provided by a higher power.
Digital and Technical Context
In the modern era, you will frequently see this word in software settings. "Protecting data" (データを保護する) or "password protection" involves this verb. It refers to the encryption or security measures taken to prevent unauthorized access or data loss.

私たちは絶滅危惧種を保護するために、新しい法律を制定しました。

Translation: We enacted a new law in order to protect endangered species.

Understanding the level of formality is crucial. While you might use 守る (mamoru) to say you are protecting your friend from a bully or protecting your phone from a fall, 保護する is the word you would find in a newspaper, a scientific report, or a legal document. It sounds professional and deliberate. It is often used in the passive voice (保護される) to indicate that something is under the protection of a specific entity.

プライバシーを保護することは、現代社会において非常に重要です。

Translation: Protecting privacy is extremely important in modern society.
Cultural Nuance
In Japanese culture, the concept of 保護 often implies a responsibility of the strong to look after the weak. This is reflected in the many government agencies that have 保護 in their names, such as the 生活保護 (Seikatsu Hogo) system, which is Japan's public assistance or welfare system.

When using this verb, remember that it is a suru-verb. This means you can easily turn it into a noun by dropping the suru. As a noun, 保護 (hogo) appears in countless compounds like 保護者 (hogo-sha - guardian/parent) or 保護色 (hogo-shoku - protective coloration/camouflage). This versatility makes it a foundational word for anyone moving into intermediate Japanese proficiency.

Using 保護する (hogo suru) correctly requires an understanding of Japanese grammar particles and the transitive nature of the verb. Because it is a transitive verb, it almost always takes the direct object particle を (o). The basic structure is: [Protector] が [Object] を 保護する.

政府は国内の文化財を保護する義務があります。

Translation: The government has a duty to protect the country's cultural assets.
The Passive Voice: 保護される
In news reports, you will often hear 保護される. This is the passive form, meaning "to be protected" or "to be taken into custody." For example, if a lost child is found by the police, the news will say 迷子が警察に保護されました (The lost child was taken into protective custody by the police).
Expressing Purpose: 保護するために
When explaining why an action is taken, use 保護するために (in order to protect). This is common in policy discussions. 環境を保護するために、プラスチックの使用を減らしましょう (In order to protect the environment, let's reduce plastic use).

Another common pattern involves the particle から (kara) to indicate what the object is being protected *from*. The structure is: [Object] を [Threat] から 保護する. For example, 肌を紫外線から保護する (Protecting the skin from ultraviolet rays). This is a very common phrase in the cosmetics and health industries in Japan.

このファイルは、パスワードで保護されています。

Translation: This file is protected by a password.
Compound Nouns with 保護
In formal Japanese, verbs are often turned into nouns to create complex terms. You should recognize 環境保護 (Environmental protection), 著作権保護 (Copyright protection), and データ保護 (Data protection). These are treated as single units of meaning in professional speech.

Finally, consider the potential for the causative form 保護させる (to make someone protect) or the potential form 保護できる (can protect). In a business presentation, you might say, このシステムなら、顧客情報を安全に保護できます (With this system, we can safely protect customer information). This demonstrates the reliability and functionality of the subject.

You will encounter 保護する (hogo suru) in several specific domains of Japanese life. It is not a word usually used in casual banter between friends (where 守る is preferred), but it is ubiquitous in the following four areas:

1. The Evening News (NHK and others)
When a hiker goes missing in the mountains and is found, the reporter will say, 「行方不明だった登山者が無事に保護されました」 (The missing hiker was safely taken into protection/rescued). Here, 保護 implies that the person was found and is now being cared for by authorities like the police or the self-defense forces.
2. Schools and Parenting
If you have children in a Japanese school, you will constantly hear the term 保護者 (hogo-sha). This refers to the parent or legal guardian. During a school assembly, the principal might address the 保護者の皆様 (All the guardians). The school exists to educate, but the hogo-sha exists to protect and provide for the child's well-being.
3. Animal Shelters and Pet Shops
Japan has a growing movement for 保護猫 (hogo-neko - rescue cats) and 保護犬 (hogo-ken - rescue dogs). If you visit a cat cafe that specializes in rescues, the staff will explain how they 保護する animals from the street or from high-kill shelters. It is a word associated with kindness and social responsibility in this context.

この地域では、野良猫を保護して新しい飼い主を探す活動が行われています。

Translation: In this area, activities are being carried out to rescue stray cats and find new owners for them.

Finally, in the legal and business world, 保護する is the key term for Intellectual Property (IP). Companies spend millions to 特許を保護する (protect patents) or 商標を保護する (protect trademarks). In these contexts, the word carries the weight of law and the threat of litigation. If you are working in a Japanese office, you will see this word on documents regarding confidentiality (NDA) and data handling policies.

While 保護する (hogo suru) translates to "protect," English speakers often over-apply it to situations where Japanese speakers would prefer 守る (mamoru) or 防ぐ (fusegu). Understanding these boundaries will make your Japanese sound much more natural.

Mistake 1: Using it for abstract concepts like promises
In English, we "protect" a secret or "keep" a promise. In Japanese, 約束を保護する sounds very strange. For promises, rules, or secrets, you must use 守る (mamoru). 約束を守る is the correct phrase. 保護する is for things that need a physical or legal shield.
Mistake 2: Confusing it with 'Prevention' (防ぐ)
If you want to say "protect against a cold," you shouldn't use 保護する. Instead, use 風邪を予防する (prevent a cold) or 風邪を防ぐ (fend off a cold). 保護する is about the state of the object being safe, whereas 防ぐ is about stopping the threat from arriving.

友達との約束を保護します
友達との約束を守ります

Reason: Promises are abstract commitments, which take 'mamoru', not the formal 'hogo suru'.
Mistake 3: Particle Confusion
Sometimes learners use instead of . Remember, 保護する is an action done *to* something. Use for the object. Use から for the source of danger. [Danger] から [Object] を 保護する.

Lastly, be careful with the word 保存する (hozon suru). While both start with , 保存する means "to save" or "to preserve" (like saving a file or preserving food). 保護する is about safety and defense, while 保存する is about keeping something in its current state for future use.

Japanese has several words for "protect," each with its own specific context. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about a physical wall, a moral duty, or a legal conservation effort.

守る (Mamoru)
This is the most common and general word for "protect." It covers everything from protecting a goal in soccer to keeping a secret. If you aren't sure which word to use, 守る is usually the safest bet. 保護する is a formal subset of 守る.
防衛する (Bōei suru)
This means "to defend," specifically in a military or competitive sense. Japan's military is called the 自衛隊 (Self-Defense Forces). Use this when there is an active attack or enemy you are fighting off. 保護する is more about sheltering the weak than fighting the strong.
保全する (Hozen suru)
This is a very technical term for "maintenance" or "preservation." It is used in ecology (環境保全) and engineering. While 保護する focuses on safety from harm, 保全する focuses on keeping a system functioning or an ecosystem balanced.
WordBest For...Example
保護するLegal, Welfare, Environment著作権を保護する
守るGeneral, Personal, Rules子供を守る
防衛するMilitary, Defense, Sports国を防衛する
維持するStatus Quo, Health, Speed現状を維持する

In summary, use 保護する when the protection is formal, systemic, or involves taking something into care. Use 守る for everyday safety, 防衛 for active defense, and 保全 for technical preservation. Mastering these distinctions will allow you to describe complex social and environmental issues with the precision of a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji 護 (go) is the same one used in 'G護' (Goei - bodyguard). It's a very 'sturdy' looking kanji with 20 strokes, reflecting the heavy duty of protecting something.

Aussprachehilfe

UK ho.ɡo.su.ɾu
US hoʊ.ɡoʊ.su.ɹu
Heiban (Flat) pitch accent. The pitch stays relatively level throughout the word.
Reimt sich auf
Kogo (Ancient words) Sogo (Mutual) Chogo (Mixing) Jogo (Reduplication) Togo (Integration) Sogo (Discrepancy) Hogo (Scrap paper) Yogo (Terminology)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'ho' like 'hot' (it should be an 'o' sound like 'oh').
  • Pronouncing 'go' like 'got' (it should be an 'o' sound like 'go').
  • Making the 'r' sound like an English 'r' (it should be a light tap of the tongue).
  • Adding too much stress on one syllable; keep it flat.
  • Confusing 'hogo' with 'hougo' (don't lengthen the 'o').

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The kanji for 'go' (護) is complex with many strokes, but the word is common in news and signs.

Schreiben 4/5

Writing 護 by hand is difficult for learners; most people type it.

Sprechen 2/5

The pronunciation is simple and the 'suru' conjugation is standard.

Hören 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the distinct 'hogo' sound.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

守る (Mamoru) 安全 (Anzen) 自然 (Shizen) 法律 (Houritsu) 警察 (Keisatsu)

Als Nächstes lernen

保全 (Hozen) 維持 (Iji) 保障 (Hoshou) 権利 (Kenri) 義務 (Gimu)

Fortgeschritten

庇護 (Higo) 守護 (Shugo) 防衛 (Bouei) 排他的 (Haitateki) 遵守 (Junshu)

Wichtige Grammatik

Suru-verbs

保護する、保護した、保護しない

Passive Voice (Rare-ru)

保護される (To be protected)

Causative Voice (Sase-ru)

保護させる (To make someone protect)

Compound Nouns (Noun + Noun)

環境保護、データ保護

Tame ni (Purpose)

保護するために (In order to protect)

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

自然を保護しましょう。

Let's protect nature.

Uses the 'let's' form (-mashou) with the direct object particle 'o'.

2

この犬を保護しました。

I rescued (took into protection) this dog.

Past tense of a suru-verb.

3

海を保護するのは大切です。

Protecting the ocean is important.

Nominalizing the verb with 'no wa'.

4

森を保護します。

I will protect the forest.

Standard polite present tense.

5

古い建物を保護してください。

Please protect old buildings.

The polite request form '-te kudasai'.

6

花を保護しています。

I am protecting the flowers.

Present continuous form (-te iru).

7

動物を保護したいです。

I want to protect animals.

The 'want to' form (-tai).

8

水を保護しましょう。

Let's conserve water.

Using 'hogo' for resource conservation.

1

絶滅しそうな鳥を保護しています。

We are protecting birds that are likely to go extinct.

Relative clause 'zetsumetsu shisou na' modifying 'tori'.

2

肌を日光から保護するために帽子をかぶります。

I wear a hat to protect my skin from sunlight.

Pattern: [Object] o [Threat] kara hogo suru.

3

警察が迷子を保護しました。

The police took the lost child into protective custody.

Formal usage for police intervention.

4

この公園は法律で保護されています。

This park is protected by law.

Passive form 'hogo sarete iru'.

5

大切なデータを保護しましょう。

Let's protect important data.

Technology context.

6

子供の権利を保護しなければなりません。

We must protect children's rights.

The 'must' form '-nakereba narimasen'.

7

彼は環境を保護する活動をしています。

He is doing activities to protect the environment.

Verb modifying a noun 'katsudou'.

8

冬の間、植物を寒さから保護します。

During winter, we protect the plants from the cold.

Using 'kara' to indicate the source of danger (cold).

1

政府は新しい法律を作って、野生動物を保護することにしました。

The government decided to protect wildlife by making new laws.

Decided to: 'koto ni shimashita'.

2

パスワードを使って、個人情報を保護してください。

Please protect your personal information using a password.

Using '-te' to show the means (using a password).

3

この地域は自然保護区として保護されています。

This area is protected as a nature reserve.

Compound: 'Shizen hogo-ku' (Nature reserve).

4

著作権を保護することは、クリエイターにとって重要です。

Protecting copyright is important for creators.

For someone: 'ni totte'.

5

山で倒れていた人が無事に保護されました。

The person who had collapsed in the mountains was safely rescued.

Passive voice in a rescue context.

6

目を強い光から保護するためにサングラスが必要です。

Sunglasses are necessary to protect your eyes from strong light.

Purpose form: 'hogo suru tame ni'.

7

文化遺産を保護するための資金が集められました。

Funds were collected to protect cultural heritage.

Passive voice 'atsumeraremashita'.

8

インターネット上のプライバシーをどう保護すればいいですか。

How should I protect my privacy on the internet?

Asking for advice: '-eba ii desu ka'.

1

知的財産権を適切に保護することは、企業の競争力を維持するために不可欠です。

Appropriately protecting intellectual property rights is essential for maintaining a company's competitiveness.

Formal academic/business style.

2

希少な生態系を保護するため、立ち入りが制限されています。

Access is restricted in order to protect the rare ecosystem.

Reasoning with 'tame'.

3

裁判所は、被害者のプライバシーを保護する決定を下しました。

The court handed down a decision to protect the victim's privacy.

Legal context: 'kettei o kudasu'.

4

このシステムは、サイバー攻撃から企業のサーバーを保護するように設計されています。

This system is designed to protect the company's servers from cyber attacks.

Designed to: 'you ni sekkei sarete iru'.

5

生活保護を受けている世帯は、年々増加傾向にあります。

The number of households receiving public assistance is on an increasing trend year by year.

Specific noun: 'Seikatsu hogo' (Public assistance).

6

伝統的な技術を保護し、次世代に継承していく必要があります。

It is necessary to protect traditional techniques and pass them on to the next generation.

Connecting verbs with '-shi' and '-te iku'.

7

湿地帯を保護することによって、多くの渡り鳥が守られています。

By protecting the wetlands, many migratory birds are being kept safe.

By means of: 'koto ni yotte'.

8

消費者の利益を保護するために、新しい規制が導入されました。

New regulations were introduced to protect the interests of consumers.

Passive voice 'dounyuu saremashita'.

1

憲法は国民の基本的人権を保護することを保障しています。

The Constitution guarantees the protection of the people's fundamental human rights.

High-level legal terminology.

2

海洋資源を過剰な漁獲から保護するための国際的な枠組みが構築された。

An international framework was constructed to protect marine resources from overfishing.

Passive 'kouchiku sareta' in a formal context.

3

証人の安全を保護するために、その身元は秘匿されている。

In order to protect the safety of the witness, their identity is being kept secret.

Formal word 'hitoku' (secrecy/concealment).

4

国内産業を保護するための関税措置が、他国との貿易摩擦を引き起こしている。

Tariff measures to protect domestic industries are causing trade friction with other countries.

Economic context: 'kanzei sochi' (tariff measures).

5

絶滅危惧種の生息地を保護することは、生物多様性の維持に直結する。

Protecting the habitats of endangered species directly leads to the maintenance of biodiversity.

Directly linked: 'chokuketsu suru'.

6

歴史的景観を保護するため、この地域では建物の高さが厳しく制限されている。

In order to protect the historical landscape, building heights are strictly limited in this area.

Urban planning context.

7

情報の完全性を保護するために、高度な暗号化技術が用いられている。

To protect the integrity of information, advanced encryption technology is used.

Technical/Scientific context.

8

少数民族の言語文化を保護することは、国家の文化的豊かさを守ることでもある。

Protecting the linguistic culture of ethnic minorities is also about guarding the cultural richness of the nation.

Philosophical/Sociological statement.

1

法治国家において、個人の自由が国家権力から保護されることは大前提である。

In a state governed by the rule of law, it is a fundamental premise that individual liberty is protected from state power.

Philosophical 'dai-zentei' (fundamental premise).

2

環境保護と経済発展のジレンマを解消するためには、持続可能な開発が不可欠だ。

To resolve the dilemma between environmental protection and economic development, sustainable development is indispensable.

Using 'hogo' in a complex socio-economic argument.

3

当該条約は、武力紛争時における文化財の保護を国際法上の義務として規定している。

The treaty in question stipulates the protection of cultural property during armed conflict as an obligation under international law.

Stipulate: 'kitei suru'.

4

データ主権の観点から、他国のサーバーに保存された自国民のデータをいかに保護するかが課題となっている。

From the perspective of data sovereignty, how to protect the data of one's own citizens stored on servers in other countries has become an issue.

Grammar: 'ikani ... ka ga kadai'.

5

特許権の保護期間が終了すると、その技術はパブリックドメインとなり、社会全体で利用可能になる。

Once the protection period for a patent ends, the technology enters the public domain and becomes available for use by society as a whole.

Legal/Business terminology: 'hogo kikan' (protection period).

6

児童虐待の疑いがある場合、児童相談所は速やかに当該児童を一時保護しなければならない。

If child abuse is suspected, the child guidance center must promptly take the child into temporary protective custody.

Administrative term: 'ichiji hogo' (temporary protection).

7

信認保護の原則に基づき、行政庁の過去の判断を信頼した国民の利益は守られるべきである。

Based on the principle of protection of reliance, the interests of citizens who relied on past decisions of administrative agencies should be protected.

Legal principle: 'shinnin hogo no gensoku'.

8

生態系のレジリエンスを高めるためには、単一の種だけでなく、その生息環境全体を包括的に保護する必要がある。

To enhance the resilience of the ecosystem, it is necessary to comprehensively protect not just a single species, but its entire habitat environment.

Scientific/Ecological terminology.

Häufige Kollokationen

環境を保護する
データを保護する
プライバシーを保護する
著作権を保護する
絶滅危惧種を保護する
迷子を保護する
人権を保護する
文化財を保護する
肌を紫外線から保護する
書き込み保護

Häufige Phrasen

保護者

— A guardian or parent. Used constantly in school settings.

保護者会に出席する (Attend a PTA/parents' meeting).

生活保護

— Public assistance or welfare system in Japan. A major social safety net.

生活保護を申請する (Apply for public assistance).

自然保護区

— A nature reserve or protected area where development is restricted.

ここは自然保護区に指定されている (This place is designated as a nature reserve).

保護猫 / 保護犬

— Rescue cats or dogs. Animals taken from the street or shelters.

保護猫の里親になる (Become a foster parent/adopter of a rescue cat).

一時保護

— Temporary protective custody, usually for children in danger.

子供を一時保護所に預ける (Place a child in a temporary shelter).

著作権保護

— Copyright protection. Safeguarding the rights of creators.

著作権保護期間が延長された (The copyright protection period was extended).

保護色

— Protective coloration or camouflage in animals.

カメレオンは保護色で身を守る (Chameleons protect themselves with camouflage).

過保護

— Overprotection. Usually used for parents who are too hovering.

彼は過保護に育てられた (He was raised overprotectively).

データ保護

— Data protection. Securing digital information.

新しいデータ保護法が施行された (A new data protection law came into effect).

保護施設

— A protection facility or shelter (for animals or people).

野生動物の保護施設を訪問した (Visited a wildlife protection facility).

Wird oft verwechselt mit

保護する vs 保存する (Hozon suru)

Means 'to save' (files) or 'preserve' (food/state). Hogo is about 'protection' from harm.

保護する vs 防ぐ (Fusegu)

Means 'to prevent' or 'fend off.' Hogo is more about the act of keeping something safe.

保護する vs 維持する (Iji suru)

Means 'to maintain' a status quo. Hogo implies a threat or vulnerability.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"懐に保護する"

— To take someone under one's wing (archaic/literary).

彼は孤児を懐に保護した。

Literary
"翼の下に保護する"

— To protect under one's wings (translated idiom).

母鳥が雛を翼の下に保護する。

Natural/Poetic
"法の下の保護"

— Protection under the law. A legal standard.

すべての人は法の下の保護を受ける権利がある。

Legal
"保護の目を向ける"

— To keep a protective eye on something.

地域住民が子供たちに保護の目を向ける。

Journalistic
"聖域として保護する"

— To protect something as a 'sanctuary' (untouchable area).

この森は聖域として保護されている。

Formal
"保護の手を差し伸べる"

— To reach out a protective hand (to help/rescue).

政府は難民に保護の手を差し伸べた。

Formal
"保護の網を広げる"

— To spread a net of protection (increase safety measures).

セーフティネットとしての保護の網を広げる。

Political
"保護の傘に入る"

— To come under the umbrella of protection (of a larger entity).

小国が大国の保護の傘に入る。

Geopolitical
"鉄壁の保護"

— Iron-clad protection. Extremely strong defense.

その金庫は鉄壁の保護を誇っている。

Informal/Marketing
"保護の精神"

— The spirit of protection/conservation.

環境保護の精神を忘れてはいけない。

Educational

Leicht verwechselbar

保護する vs 守る (Mamoru)

Both mean 'to protect.'

Mamoru is general and personal. Hogo is formal, institutional, or environmental.

家族を守る (Mamoru) vs. 環境を保護する (Hogo).

保護する vs 保障する (Hoshou suru)

Sounds similar and relates to safety.

Hoshou means 'to guarantee' (like rights or security). Hogo is the physical/legal act of protecting.

安全を保障する (Guarantee safety).

保護する vs 防衛する (Bouei suru)

Both involve defense.

Bouei is military/active defense against an enemy. Hogo is sheltering/conserving.

自衛隊が国を防衛する。

保護する vs 保全する (Hozen suru)

Both used in environmental contexts.

Hozen is 'conservation/maintenance' of a system. Hogo is 'protection' of a specific entity.

環境保全 vs. 野生動物保護。

保護する vs 救助する (Kyuujo suru)

Both involve saving someone.

Kyuujo is the immediate act of 'rescue' (pulling someone from a fire). Hogo is 'taking into care/protection' after the rescue.

遭難者を救助し、その後保護した。

Satzmuster

A1

[Object] を 保護します。

自然を保護します。

A2

[Object] を [Threat] から 保護する。

目を光から保護する。

B1

[Object] は [Agent] に 保護された。

猫は警察に保護された。

B1

[Object] を 保護するために [Action]。

環境を保護するためにゴミを減らす。

B2

[Object] を 保護する 義務がある。

政府は文化財を保護する義務がある。

C1

[Object] の 保護を 図る。

希少種の保護を図る。

C2

[Concept] の 保護を 規定する。

条約は人権の保護を規定している。

C2

[Principle] に基づき 保護される。

信認保護の原則に基づき保護される。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

保護 (Hogo - Protection)
保護者 (Hogosha - Guardian)
保護区 (Hogoku - Protected area)
保護金 (Hogokin - Subsidy/Public assistance money)
保護膜 (Hogomaku - Protective film)

Verben

保護する (Hogo suru - To protect)
保護される (Hogo sareru - To be protected)
保護させる (Hogo saseru - To make someone protect)

Adjektive

保護的な (Hogoteki na - Protective)
過保護な (Kahogo na - Overprotective)

Verwandt

守る (Mamoru)
防ぐ (Fusegu)
維持 (Iji)
管理 (Kanri)
救助 (Kyuujo)

So verwendest du es

frequency

High in news, legal, environmental, and educational contexts.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'hogo suru' for promises. 約束を守る (Yakusoku o mamoru).

    'Hogo suru' is for physical/legal safety, not abstract commitments like promises.

  • Saying 'hogo suru' for saving a file. 保存する (Hozon suru).

    'Hozon' is for saving/storing data. 'Hogo' is for securing/protecting it.

  • Using 'ni' instead of 'o' for the object. 自然を保護する (Shizen o hogo suru).

    It is a transitive verb, so the thing being protected takes the 'o' particle.

  • Confusing 'hogo' with 'yobou' (prevention). 風邪を予防する (Kaze o yobou suru).

    You 'prevent' a cold; you don't 'protect' it. 'Hogo' is for the thing being kept safe.

  • Using 'hogo suru' for bodyguards. 護衛する (Goei suru).

    While 'hogo' is general protection, the specific act of escorting someone is 'goei'.

Tipps

Use with 'kara'

To say what you are protecting something *from*, use the particle 'kara'. Example: 'A o B kara hogo suru' (Protect A from B).

Rescue Animals

If you want to talk about rescue pets, always use 'hogo'. 'Hogo-ken' (rescue dog) and 'hogo-neko' (rescue cat) are the standard terms.

Professional Tone

Use 'hogo suru' in business emails about data security or privacy to sound professional and competent.

School Meetings

If you are a parent in Japan, you are a 'hogosha'. Look for this word on every school handout.

Read-Only Files

If you can't edit a file, it might be 'kakikomi hogo' (write-protected). Look for this in your settings.

Eco-friendly

When writing about ecology, 'kankyou hogo' is a stronger, more active term than just 'preserving' nature.

Rights

For 'protecting rights' (kenri o hogo suru), this is the most accurate verb to use in a legal context.

Sun Protection

Cosmetic products often use 'hogo' to describe protecting the skin from UV rays or dryness.

Passive Voice

When you hear 'hogo saremashita' on the news, it's almost always good news—it means someone lost has been found.

Kanji Breakdown

Remember the 'words' radical in 護 (go). Protection often involves 'words' like laws and rules.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a **HO**use **GO**ard (Guard). A house guard's job is to **HOGO** suru (protect) the property.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a giant glass dome (the 'Hogo') being placed over a small green tree to keep it safe from a storm.

Word Web

Nature Police Guardian Data Safety Law Animal Shelter Privacy

Herausforderung

Try to find the word '保護者' (Hogosha) on a Japanese school document or website. It's one of the most common ways you'll see this word in daily life.

Wortherkunft

Comes from Middle Chinese roots. '保' (ho) originally depicted a person carrying a child on their back, signifying 'to protect' or 'to nurture.' '護' (go) consists of 'words' and a phonetic element meaning 'to help' or 'to defend.'

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To guard and nurture simultaneously.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when discussing 'Seikatsu Hogo' (welfare), as it can be a sensitive socio-economic topic in Japan.

In English, we use 'protect' for everything. In Japanese, 'hogo' is more formal than 'protect' and often implies a government or institutional role.

The 'Environment Protection Agency' is translated as 環境保護局 (Kankyou Hogo Kyoku). The movie 'Leon: The Professional' deals with 'hogo' (protection) of a child. Japanese National Parks are 'Nature Protection Areas'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Environmental Activism

  • 地球を保護する
  • 環境保護団体
  • 森を保護する
  • 海洋保護

Information Technology

  • パスワードで保護する
  • データを保護する
  • プライバシー保護
  • 書き込み保護

Legal/Social Welfare

  • 人権を保護する
  • 生活保護
  • 著作権を保護する
  • 証人保護

Animal Welfare

  • 保護犬
  • 保護猫
  • 動物を保護する
  • 保護施設

Childcare/Education

  • 保護者
  • 児童を保護する
  • 過保護
  • 一時保護

Gesprächseinstiege

"環境を保護するために、何か特別なことをしていますか? (Do you do anything special to protect the environment?)"

"最近、保護猫を飼い始めた友達がいます。 (I have a friend who recently started keeping a rescue cat.)"

"インターネットでプライバシーを保護するのは難しいですね。 (It's difficult to protect privacy on the internet, isn't it?)"

"学校の保護者会はいつありますか? (When is the school parents' meeting?)"

"この古い建物は、歴史的遺産として保護されるべきだと思います。 (I think this old building should be protected as historical heritage.)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

あなたが大切に保護したいものは何ですか?その理由も書いてください。 (What is something you want to protect dearly? Write the reason too.)

自然を保護するために、私たちが今日からできることをリストにしましょう。 (Let's make a list of things we can do from today to protect nature.)

「過保護」についてどう思いますか?自分の経験を書いてください。 (What do you think about 'overprotection'? Write about your own experience.)

デジタル社会で個人情報を保護することの難しさについて考えてください。 (Think about the difficulty of protecting personal information in a digital society.)

もしあなたが動物保護施設のスタッフだったら、どんな活動をしたいですか。 (If you were a staff member at an animal shelter, what kind of activities would you want to do?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It sounds a bit too formal. Use 'mamoru' (守る) instead. 'Hogo suru' is better for institutional protection, like a shelter protecting a stray cat.

It refers to the parent or legal guardian of a student. It is the formal way schools address adults responsible for the children.

No, for saving files, use 'hozon suru' (保存する). However, if you are 'protecting' a file with a password, you can use 'hogo suru'.

It is Japan's public assistance system, often translated as 'livelihood protection' or 'welfare.' It provides a minimum income for people in need.

The most common term is 'kankyou hogo' (環境保護). You can also say 'shizen hogo' (自然保護) for nature protection.

Often, yes. It usually implies that the object needs protection because it cannot protect itself, like an endangered animal or a lost child.

Yes, 'chosakuken hogo' (著作権保護) is the standard legal term for protecting copyright.

It means 'protective color' or camouflage, like the skin of a chameleon that matches its surroundings.

It is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object with the particle 'o' (を).

'Higo' (庇護) is much more formal/literary and often refers to political asylum or historical patronage.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'Let's protect the environment.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use 'kankyou' (environment), 'o' (particle), and 'hogo shimashou' (let's protect).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Use 'kankyou' (environment), 'o' (particle), and 'hogo shimashou' (let's protect).

writing

Translate: 'The police rescued the lost child.' (Use hogo suru)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Keisatsu (police), maigo (lost child), hogo shimashita (rescued/protected).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Keisatsu (police), maigo (lost child), hogo shimashita (rescued/protected).

writing

Write a sentence: 'I want to protect animals.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Doubutsu (animals), o (particle), hogo shitai desu (want to protect).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Doubutsu (animals), o (particle), hogo shitai desu (want to protect).

writing

Translate: 'This area is a nature reserve.' (Use hogoku)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Kono chiiki (this area), shizen hogoku (nature reserve).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kono chiiki (this area), shizen hogoku (nature reserve).

writing

Write: 'Please protect your personal information.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Kojin jouhou (personal information), hogo shite kudasai (please protect).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kojin jouhou (personal information), hogo shite kudasai (please protect).

writing

Translate: 'Protect your skin from the sun.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Hada (skin), nikkou (sunlight), kara (from), hogo suru.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Hada (skin), nikkou (sunlight), kara (from), hogo suru.

writing

Write: 'Copyright is protected by law.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Chosakuken (copyright), houritsu de (by law), hogo sarete imasu (is protected).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Chosakuken (copyright), houritsu de (by law), hogo sarete imasu (is protected).

writing

Translate: 'He was raised overprotectively.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Kahogo (overprotective), sodaterareta (was raised).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kahogo (overprotective), sodaterareta (was raised).

writing

Write: 'It is necessary to protect cultural heritage.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Bunka isan (cultural heritage), hitsuyou ga arimasu (is necessary).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Bunka isan (cultural heritage), hitsuyou ga arimasu (is necessary).

writing

Translate: 'The missing hiker was safely rescued.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Yukue-fumei (missing), tozansha (hiker), muji ni (safely), hogo saremashita (was rescued).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Yukue-fumei (missing), tozansha (hiker), muji ni (safely), hogo saremashita (was rescued).

writing

Write: 'Protect the forest for the future.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Mirai (future), tame ni (for), mori (forest).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Mirai (future), tame ni (for), mori (forest).

writing

Translate: 'We should protect human rights.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Jinken (human rights), hogo subeki da (should protect).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Jinken (human rights), hogo subeki da (should protect).

writing

Write: 'This file is write-protected.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Kakikomi hogo (write protection).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kakikomi hogo (write protection).

writing

Translate: 'The government protects domestic industries.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Seifu (government), kokunai sangyou (domestic industry).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Seifu (government), kokunai sangyou (domestic industry).

writing

Write: 'Let's use a password to protect data.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Pasuwaado o tsukatte (using a password).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Pasuwaado o tsukatte (using a password).

writing

Translate: 'They are looking for a guardian.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Hogosha (guardian), sagashite imasu (looking for).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Hogosha (guardian), sagashite imasu (looking for).

writing

Write: 'Nature protection is a global issue.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Shizen hogo (nature protection), sekaiteki na kadai (global issue).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Shizen hogo (nature protection), sekaiteki na kadai (global issue).

writing

Translate: 'The cat was protected in a shelter.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sherutaa (shelter), hogo sareta (was protected/rescued).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Sherutaa (shelter), hogo sareta (was protected/rescued).

writing

Write: 'Protect your eyes from strong light.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Tsuyoi hikari (strong light), me (eyes).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Tsuyoi hikari (strong light), me (eyes).

writing

Translate: 'Privacy must be protected.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Puraibashii, hogo sarenakereba naranai (must be protected).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Puraibashii, hogo sarenakereba naranai (must be protected).

speaking

Say in Japanese: 'I will protect the environment.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kankyou o hogo shimasu.

speaking

Say: 'Please protect your data.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Deeta o hogo shite kudasai.

speaking

Ask: 'How can I protect my privacy?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Dou yatte puraibashii o hogo sureba ii desu ka?

speaking

Say: 'This is a rescue dog.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kore wa hogo-ken desu.

speaking

Say: 'The lost child was rescued by the police.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Maigo wa keisatsu ni hogo saremashita.

speaking

Say: 'We must protect the forest.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Mori o hogo shinakereba narimasen.

speaking

Say: 'My parents are overprotective.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Watashi no ryoushin wa kahogo desu.

speaking

Say: 'Let's protect the world's nature.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Sekai no shizen o hogo shimashou.

speaking

Say: 'It's important to protect rights.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kenri o hogo suru koto wa taisetsu desu.

speaking

Say: 'Is this file protected?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kono fairu wa hogo sarete imasu ka?

speaking

Say: 'I want to work in environmental protection.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kankyou hogo no shigoto ga shitai desu.

speaking

Say: 'Protect your skin from UV rays.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Shigaisen kara hada o hogo shite kudasai.

speaking

Say: 'Wait for the guardian.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Hogosha o matte kudasai.

speaking

Say: 'Endangered species are protected.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Zetsumetsu kigushu wa hogo sarete imasu.

speaking

Say: 'They are protecting the old temple.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Karera wa furui tera o hogo shite imasu.

speaking

Say: 'This is a nature protection area.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kore wa shizen hogoku desu.

speaking

Say: 'Protect your password.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Pasuwaado o hogo shite kudasai.

speaking

Say: 'The government protects the people.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Seifu wa kokumin o hogo shimasu.

speaking

Say: 'We need to protect culture.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Bunka o hogo suru hitsuyou ga arimasu.

speaking

Say: 'The rescue cat is cute.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kono hogo-neko wa kawaii desu.

listening

Listen and identify the verb: '環境を保護しましょう。'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

The verb used is 'hogo suru'.

listening

Listen: '迷子が警察に保護されました。' Where is the child?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Keisatsu ni hogo sareta means taken into custody by police.

listening

Listen: '保護者の方は、こちらへお集まりください。' Who should gather?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Hogosha no kata refers to guardians.

listening

Listen: 'このファイルはパスワードで保護されています。' How is the file kept safe?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Pasuwaado de hogo sarete iru.

listening

Listen: '自然保護区でのキャンプは禁止です。' Is camping allowed?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kinshi means prohibited.

listening

Listen: '著作権保護期間が終了しました。' Is the copyright still active?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Shuuryou shimashita means ended.

listening

Listen: '彼は過保護に育てられたようです。' How was he raised?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kahogo ni sodaterareta.

listening

Listen: '生活保護の申請について相談したいです。' What does the speaker want to discuss?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Seikatsu hogo no shinsei.

listening

Listen: '書き込み保護がかかっています。' What can't you do to the disk?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kakikomi hogo means write-protected.

listening

Listen: '野生動物を保護する活動をしています。' What kind of activity is it?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Yasei doubutsu o hogo suru.

listening

Listen: 'プライバシー保護のため、カメラは禁止です。' Why are cameras banned?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Puraibashii hogo no tame.

listening

Listen: 'この鳥の保護色について説明します。' What will be explained?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Hogo-shoku means camouflage.

listening

Listen: '文化財を保護するための予算が承認された。' What was approved?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Yosan means budget.

listening

Listen: '証人保護プログラムが適用された。' What was applied?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Shounin hogo puroguramu.

listening

Listen: '国内産業を保護する関税。' What kind of tariff is it?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Kokunai sangyou o hogo suru kanzei.

/ 180 correct

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