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A2 verb 9 Min. Lesezeit

まもる

mamoru

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At the A1 level, learners should focus on the most basic and literal meanings of まもる (mamoru). This includes protecting physical objects or people and keeping simple promises. At this stage, it is often taught alongside basic nouns like 'kazoku' (family), 'kodomo' (child), and 'yakusoku' (promise). The focus is on the simple transitive structure: [Noun] o mamoru. Learners should be able to say things like 'I protect my family' or 'I keep my promise.' The goal is to understand that まもる is a positive action involving care and responsibility. It is also a good time to introduce the concept of 'Jikan o mamoru' (being on time), as punctuality is a core part of Japanese culture that even beginners will encounter immediately. The grammar is kept simple, primarily using the polite ~masu form and the plain form. Visualizing a mother bird protecting her nest is a common way to anchor this word's meaning for A1 students. The emphasis is on the 'shielding' aspect of the verb.

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By A2, the learner's understanding of まもる expands to include social rules and common etiquette. This is the level where the CEFR 'Waystage' occurs, so the focus is on practical, everyday survival. Learners should use まosる to talk about following traffic rules (koutsuu kisoku), school rules (gakkou no kisoku), and general manners (manaa). You will start to see the te-form used in requests like 'Manaa o mamotte kudasai' (Please follow the manners). A2 learners also begin to distinguish between 'mamoru' and 'tasukeru' (to help), realizing that 'mamoru' is about preventing harm while 'tasukeru' is about responding to it. The context of environment (shizen o mamoru - protect nature) is also common at this level. The grammar expands to include the negative form (mamoranai) to describe someone who is unreliable or a rule-breaker. This level bridges the gap between physical protection and the beginning of abstract social responsibility.

At the B1 level, learners transition from simple sentences to more complex social interactions. まもる is used in contexts like protecting secrets (himitsu o mamoru) and defending opinions or positions. The B1 learner should be able to understand the nuance of 'mamoru' in professional settings, such as meeting deadlines (shimekiri o mamoru) or protecting personal information (kojin jouhou o mamoru). This level introduces the potential form (mamoreru), allowing students to express what they *can* or *cannot* protect or keep. For example, 'Isogashikute yakusoku ga mamorenai' (I'm busy and can't keep my promise). The B1 student also encounters the word in more varied media, such as news reports about protecting the peace (heiwa o mamoru) or historical stories about warriors. The focus shifts toward the *consistency* and *integrity* required to 'mamoru' something over a long period.

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B2 learners should understand the nuances of まもる in more specialized fields like sports, law, and literature. In sports, 'mamoru' refers to defense (shubi) and holding onto a lead (reedo o mamoru). In legal or formal contexts, the B2 learner starts to see the interaction between 'mamoru' and its more formal counterpart 'junshu-suru' (to comply). They should be able to discuss the importance of protecting human rights (jinken o mamoru) or intellectual property. The grammar at this level includes the passive form (mamorareru) and the causative form (mamoraseru). For instance, 'Kuni wa houritsu ni yotte mamorareru' (The country is protected by laws). B2 students also learn compound verbs like 'mi-mamoru' (to watch over) and 'ii-mamoru' (to defend one's word). The understanding of 'mamoru' at this level is deep, encompassing the idea of 'upholding' values and traditions against the passage of time or external pressure.

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At the C1 level, the usage of まもる becomes highly idiomatic and culturally nuanced. The learner explores the word's role in Japanese philosophy and aesthetics, such as protecting the 'wa' (harmony) of a group. C1 students study classical literature or high-level editorials where 'mamoru' might refer to the preservation of an ancient dialect or a dying craft. They understand the subtle difference between 'mamoru' and 'hoji-suru' (to retain) or 'iji-suru' (to maintain). The context of 'honor' (meiyo o mamoru) and 'face' (mentsu o mamoru) becomes important. C1 learners can use 'mamoru' in sophisticated arguments, such as debating whether to protect local industries versus opening up to global trade. They are also familiar with the word's appearance in proverbs and four-character compounds (yojijukugo), recognizing that 'mamoru' is not just a verb but a symbol of Japanese societal ethics.

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C2 mastery involves an instinctive grasp of まもる in all its poetic and archaic forms. The learner can appreciate the word's use in historical dramas (jidaigeki) where it might be used in the context of a samurai's 'shugo' (protection/guardianship). They can distinguish between the various kanji that can represent 'mamoru' (like 守 vs 護), understanding that 守 is more about 'keeping/watching' while 護 (usually in compounds like 護衛 goei) is more about 'shielding/defending.' At this level, the learner can use 'mamoru' to discuss abstract philosophical concepts like 'protecting one's inner peace' or 'upholding the sanctity of life.' They can navigate the most formal registers of Japanese society, using the word appropriately in high-stakes diplomatic or legal negotiations. A C2 learner doesn't just use the word; they understand the entire cultural weight of 'mamoru' as an expression of the Japanese soul's commitment to duty and preservation.

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A versatile verb meaning to protect, guard, or preserve something valuable.
Used for following rules, laws, and social etiquette in everyday life.
Essential for the phrase 'keeping a promise' (yakusoku o mamoru).
Implies a sense of responsibility and active effort to maintain safety or order.

The Japanese verb まもる (守る - Mamoru) is a multifaceted word that serves as a cornerstone of Japanese social and physical interaction. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'to protect' or 'to guard,' but its usage extends far beyond physical defense into the realms of ethics, law, and personal integrity. When you use まもる, you are describing the act of maintaining the safety, status, or integrity of a person, object, or concept. This could range from a soldier guarding a gate to a child keeping a small secret. The word carries a heavy sense of responsibility and duty, reflecting the Japanese cultural emphasis on reliability and the preservation of harmony.

Physical Protection: This is the most literal sense. It involves shielding someone or something from physical harm or danger. For example, a parent protecting a child from the rain or a roof protecting a house from the elements. It implies an active stance against external threats.
Observing Rules and Laws: In a societal context, まもる is the standard verb for 'obeying' or 'following' rules (規則 - kisoku), laws (法律 - houritsu), or manners (マナー - manaa). Unlike the English word 'obey,' which can sometimes sound submissive, まもる suggests 'maintaining' the order of society by adhering to its structure.
Keeping Promises: When you make a promise (約束 - yakusoku), you don't just 'keep' it; you 'protect' it. This nuance suggests that a promise is a fragile thing that requires active effort to remain intact. Failing to keep a promise is seen as failing to protect the trust placed in you.

In daily life, you will hear this word constantly. In schools, teachers remind students to 時間を守る (jikan o mamoru), which means to be punctual. In the workplace, it refers to protecting confidential information or following safety protocols. In sports, it refers to the 'defense' (守備 - shubi) or guarding a specific opponent. The versatility of まもる makes it an essential verb for anyone moving beyond the basic 'survival Japanese' level into more nuanced communication.

彼は自分の国をまもるために戦いました。 (He fought to protect his country.)

Furthermore, the kanji 守 consists of a roof radical (宀) and the character for 'hand' or 'measurement' (寸), suggesting the act of managing or holding something steady under a roof. This visual etymology reinforces the idea of providing shelter and maintaining stability. Whether you are protecting the environment (自然を守る - shizen o mamoru) or your own reputation, the underlying thread is one of preservation and stewardship. It is a noble verb that encapsulates the Japanese ideal of 'giri' (duty) and 'ninjo' (human feeling).

Using まもる correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure and the specific particles it pairs with. As a transitive verb (他動詞 - tadoushi), it almost always takes the object particle を (o) to indicate what is being protected or observed. The basic structure is: [Object] を守る.

Protecting People and Things: When protecting a person, you say '子供を守る' (kodomo o mamoru). If you are protecting them *from* something, you use the particle から (kara). For example: '寒さから身を守る' (Samusa kara mi o mamoru - Protect oneself from the cold). Here, 'mi' (body/self) is the object being protected.
Abstract Concepts (Rules and Promises): For rules, the usage is straightforward: '規則を守る' (kisoku o mamoru). It is important to note that you do not use 'kiku' (to listen) or 'shitagau' (to follow) as frequently as 'mamoru' when talking about general compliance with social norms. 'Mamoru' implies an active commitment to the rule.

約束をまもらない人は信頼されません。 (People who do not keep their promises are not trusted.)

Regarding verb conjugation, まもる is a Group 1 (U-verb / Godan verb). Its stem is 'mamori-'. Common forms include:
- Polite: 守ります (mamorimasu)
- Negative: 守らない (mamoranai)
- Te-form: 守って (mamotte)
- Potential: 守れる (mamoreru - can protect)
- Passive: 守られる (mamorareru - to be protected)

In more complex sentences, you might see まもる used in the causative form '守らせる' (mamoraseru - to make someone protect/obey). For example, a boss might say '部下に規則を守らせる' (Make subordinates follow the rules). You might also see it in compound verbs like '見守る' (mimamoru), which means to watch over someone affectionately or to keep an eye on a situation without interfering. This shows how the root meaning of 'protection' evolves into 'stewardship' and 'observation'.

The word まもる is ubiquitous in Japanese society, appearing in both formal announcements and casual conversations. Understanding where you will encounter it helps in grasping its various shades of meaning. From the moment you step into a Japanese train station to the time you watch a late-night anime, 'mamoru' is present.

Public Announcements and Signs: In stations, you will often hear: '黄色い線の内側までお下がりください。マナーを守りましょう。' (Please stay behind the yellow line. Let's observe manners.) Here, 'manaa o mamorimashou' is a polite collective call to maintain social etiquette. Road signs also use it: '交通規則を守ろう' (Let's follow traffic rules).
Anime and Manga: This is perhaps the most 'dramatic' use of the word. Protagonists often shout, '君を絶対に守る!' (Kimi o zettai ni mamoru! - I will definitely protect you!). In this context, it signifies a heroic resolve and a deep emotional bond. It is a very common trope in the Shonen genre where the hero's primary motivation is to protect their friends (仲間を守る - nakama o mamoru).
News and Media: Newscasters use it when discussing environmental issues: '地球環境を守る' (protecting the Earth's environment). It's also used in legal contexts: '著作権を守る' (protecting copyrights) or '秘密を守る' (keeping a secret/protecting a secret).

「マナーをまもって楽しく遊びましょう。」 (Let's follow the manners and have fun playing.) - Common sign in Japanese parks.

In a professional setting, 'shimekiri o mamoru' (to meet a deadline) is a vital phrase. If you cannot 'protect the deadline,' it implies a lack of professional reliability. Similarly, in sports commentary, you'll hear 'gooru o mamoru' (defending the goal) or 'reedo o mamoru' (holding the lead). In every context, 'mamoru' implies that there is something valuable—a rule, a secret, a person, a lead—that requires constant vigilance to maintain.

While まもる is a versatile verb, English speakers often encounter 'interference' from English synonyms that don't map perfectly to Japanese. Understanding these distinctions will help you sound more natural and avoid confusion.

Confusing with 'Tasukeru' (To Help/Save): English speakers often use 'protect' and 'save' interchangeably. In Japanese, 'mamoru' is to keep someone safe *before* or *during* danger. If someone is already in trouble and you rescue them, you should use 助ける (tasukeru) or 救う (sukuu). You 'mamoru' a city from an invasion, but you 'tasukeru' a person drowning in a river.
Confusing with 'Fusegu' (To Prevent): 'Fusegu' (防ぐ) is used when the focus is on stopping a negative event from happening. 'Mamoru' focuses on the object being kept safe. For example, you 'fusegu' an accident (prevent it), but you 'mamoru' your children (protect them). If you say 'jiko o mamoru,' it sounds like you are 'protecting the accident,' which is nonsense.
The 'Follow' Mistake: When following a person (physically walking behind them), use ついていく (tsuite iku). When following a rule, use 'mamoru'. Learners often say 'sensei o mamoru' when they mean they are following the teacher's lead, but this actually means they are acting as the teacher's bodyguard!

❌ 事故をまもる (Protect the accident)
✅ 事故を防ぐ (Prevent the accident)

Another nuance is 'keeping a promise'. In English, we 'keep' it. In Japanese, if you say 'yakusoku o motsu' (to have/hold a promise), it means you have an appointment, not that you are fulfilling it. Always use 'mamoru' for the act of following through on what you said you would do. Lastly, remember that 'mamoru' is a transitive verb; it needs an object. You cannot just say 'I will protect' without specifying what or whom.

To truly master まもる, you should know the words that surround it in the Japanese lexicon. These synonyms and alternatives allow for more precise expression depending on the register and context.

遵守する (Junshu-suru): This is a formal, Sino-Japanese (Kango) version of 'mamoru' used specifically for laws and regulations. You will see this in legal documents, corporate contracts, and formal speeches. While 'mamoru' is 'to keep/protect,' 'junshu-suru' is 'to abide by' or 'to comply with.'
維持する (Iji-suru): Meaning 'to maintain' or 'to preserve.' Use this when the focus is on keeping a current state or level. For example, 'kenkou o iji-suru' (maintain health). 'Mamoru' can also be used here, but 'iji-suru' sounds more technical and focused on the continuity of a state.
防御する (Bougyo-suru): This is specifically 'to defend' in a physical or military sense. If 'mamoru' is the general word for protection, 'bougyo' is the strategic act of defense against an attack. It's used in sports (defense vs. offense) and warfare.
庇う (Kabau): This means to protect someone by shielding them or taking the blame for them. It has a very specific nuance of 'sticking up for' someone. If a friend makes a mistake and you tell the boss it was your fault, you are 'kabau-ing' your friend.

伝統をまもる (Preserve tradition)
伝統を継承する (Inherit/Pass down tradition)

When choosing between these, consider the formality. 'Mamoru' is safe in almost any context, but using 'Junshu' in a casual conversation with friends about a promise would sound strangely robotic. Conversely, using 'Mamoru' in a Supreme Court ruling might sound slightly too informal compared to 'Junshu'.

In summary, 'まもる' is the versatile, emotion-laden 'umbrella' term. Whether you are a knight protecting a castle, a citizen following the law, or a friend keeping a secret, this verb covers it all. By learning its synonyms, you can refine your Japanese to match the specific 'flavor' of protection or observance you wish to convey.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji 守 is also used in the word 'Lullaby' in Japanese: 守り歌 (Mamori-uta), literally 'protection song' to watch over the sleeping child.

Aussprachehilfe

UK mɑː.mɒ.ruː

US mɑ.moʊ.ru

Flat (Heiban) pitch accent in standard Japanese, though regional variations exist.

Reimt sich auf

Nomoru (to climb/dwell - rare) Tomoru (to be lit) Satoru (to realize)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (curling the tongue).
Over-emphasizing the final 'u' sound.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The kanji 守 is learned in 3rd grade. It is very common.

Schreiben 2/5

The kanji is simple to write with only 6 strokes.

Sprechen 1/5

Easy to pronounce with no difficult sounds.

Hören 1/5

Very distinct sound and frequently used in many contexts.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

人 (Hito) 規則 (Kisoku) 約束 (Yakusoku) 危ない (Abunai) 助ける (Tasukeru)

Als Nächstes lernen

防ぐ (Fusegu) 遵守する (Junshu-suru) 維持する (Iji-suru) 救う (Sukuu) 防衛 (Bouei)

Fortgeschritten

保守的 (Hoshuteki) 死守 (Shishu) 守護神 (Shugo-神) 節操 (Sessou) 順守 (Junshu)

Wichtige Grammatik

Transitive Verbs (他動詞)

本をカバンに入れて守る。 (Put the book in the bag to protect it.)

Te-form for Requests

マナーを守ってください。 (Please follow the manners.)

Potential Form (~reru)

私は秘密が守れます。 (I can keep a secret.)

Causative Form (~seru)

先生は生徒に規則を守らせた。 (The teacher made the students follow the rules.)

Passive Form (~rareru)

この森は法律で守られている。 (This forest is protected by law.)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

かぞくをまもります。

I protect my family.

Basic transitive verb structure: [Object] o [Verb].

やくそくをまもってください。

Please keep your promise.

Te-form + kudasai for a polite request.

いぬをまもる。

I protect the dog.

Dictionary form used in casual speech.

じかんをまもりましょう。

Let's be on time (Let's protect the time).

~mashou form for 'let's do...'.

ともだちをまもる。

I protect my friend.

Transitive verb with 'o' particle.

ルールをまもります。

I follow the rules.

Polite present tense.

ひみつをまもる。

I keep a secret.

Abstract use of 'protect'.

しぜんをまもりたいです。

I want to protect nature.

~tai form for expressing desire.

こうつうルールをまもらなければなりません。

You must follow traffic rules.

~nakereba narimasen (must/obligation).

彼はやくそくをまもりませんでした。

He did not keep his promise.

Polite negative past tense.

あぶないですから、子供をまもってください。

It's dangerous, so please protect the child.

'Kara' used to explain the reason.

マナーをまもることは大切です。

Keeping manners is important.

'Koto' turns the verb into a noun phrase.

しめきりをまもることができますか。

Can you meet the deadline?

Potential structure 'koto ga dekiru'.

雨から荷物をまもりました。

I protected the luggage from the rain.

'Kara' indicates the source of danger.

自分の身をまもるために逃げました。

I ran away to protect myself.

'Tame ni' indicates purpose.

この古い建物をまもりたいです。

I want to preserve this old building.

'Mamoru' used for preservation.

法律をまもるのは市民の義務です。

Obeying the law is the duty of citizens.

'No' used as a nominalizer.

彼はどんなことがあっても秘密をまもる人だ。

He is a person who keeps secrets no matter what.

Relative clause modifying 'hito'.

プロとして、納期は必ずまもります。

As a professional, I will definitely meet the delivery date.

'To shite' means 'as a...'.

環境をまもるための新しい技術が開発された。

New technology to protect the environment was developed.

Passive voice 'kaihatsu sareta'.

自分たちの伝統をまもり続けるのは難しい。

It is difficult to continue protecting our own traditions.

Compound verb 'mamori-tsuzukeru' (continue protecting).

彼はゴールをまもるのが上手です。

He is good at guarding the goal.

'No ga jouzu' (good at doing something).

約束をまもれないなら、最初から言わないで。

If you can't keep a promise, don't say it from the start.

Potential negative 'mamorenai' + conditional 'nara'.

プライバシーをまもる権利があります。

You have the right to protect your privacy.

'Kenri' means 'right'.

この城は敵の攻撃から町をまもっている。

This castle protects the town from enemy attacks.

Present continuous ~te iru.

彼は最後まで自分の信念をまもり抜いた。

He stood by his beliefs until the very end.

Compound verb 'mamori-nuku' (protect to the end).

To protect copyright, unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

'Kinshi sarete iru' (is prohibited).

親は子供を危険からまもらなければならない。

Parents must protect their children from danger.

Obligation form.

彼女は自分の名誉をまもるために訴訟を起こした。

She filed a lawsuit to protect her honor.

'Meiyo' means 'honor/reputation'.

リードをまもりきれず、最後に逆転された。

They couldn't hold the lead and were overtaken at the end.

'Mamori-kiru' (to protect completely/successfully).

野生動物の生息地をまもる活動に参加している。

I am participating in activities to protect wildlife habitats.

'Seisokuchi' means 'habitat'.

彼は部下に規則を厳しくまもらせた。

He made his subordinates follow the rules strictly.

Causative form 'mamoraseta'.

伝統文化をまもることは、アイデンティティをまもることだ。

Protecting traditional culture is protecting one's identity.

Parallel structure using 'koto'.

彼は沈黙をまもることで、真実を隠そうとした。

By maintaining silence, he tried to hide the truth.

'Chinmoku o mamoru' is a set phrase for 'keeping silent'.

この条約は、絶滅危惧種をまもるための国際的な合意だ。

This treaty is an international agreement to protect endangered species.

'Zetsumetsu kigushu' means 'endangered species'.

企業の機密情報をまもるセキュリティ対策を強化する。

Strengthen security measures to protect corporate confidential information.

'Kyouka suru' means 'to strengthen'.

平和をまもるためには、対話が欠かせない。

Dialogue is indispensable for protecting peace.

'Kakasenai' means 'cannot be missed/indispensable'.

彼は家族の生活をまもるために、必死で働いた。

He worked desperately to protect his family's livelihood.

'Seikatsu o mamoru' means 'protecting one's way of life/livelihood'.

その選手は、タイトルをまもる重圧に耐えている。

That athlete is enduring the pressure of defending their title.

'Juuatsu ni taeru' (endure heavy pressure).

自由をまもるための戦いは、終わることがない。

The fight to protect freedom never ends.

'Owaru koto ga nai' (never ends).

国益をまもるという名目のもとに、その政策は実施された。

The policy was implemented under the pretext of protecting national interests.

'~to iu meimoku no moto ni' (under the pretext of...).

職人は、代々受け継がれてきた技をかたくなにまもっている。

The craftsman stubbornly protects the techniques passed down through generations.

'Kataku na ni' means 'stubbornly/firmly'.

彼は武士道精神をまもり、潔く責任を取った。

He upheld the spirit of Bushido and gracefully took responsibility.

'Isagiyoku' means 'gracefully/with a clear conscience'.

自然の摂理をまもることは、人類の存続に関わる問題だ。

Protecting the providence of nature is a matter concerning the survival of humanity.

'Setsuri' means 'providence/natural law'.

聖域をまもる守護神のごとく、彼は門の前に立っていた。

He stood before the gate like a guardian deity protecting a sanctuary.

'~no gotoku' means 'like/as if'.

情報の真実性をまもることは、メディアの最大の使命である。

Protecting the truthfulness of information is the media's greatest mission.

'Shimei' means 'mission/calling'.

古き良き慣習をまもる一方で、新しい変化も受け入れるべきだ。

While protecting good old customs, we should also accept new changes.

'Ippou de' (on the other hand).

彼は最期まで節操をまもり、決して妥協しなかった。

He maintained his integrity until the very end and never compromised.

'Sessou' means 'integrity/constancy'.

Häufige Kollokationen

約束を守る

規則を守る

時間を守る

秘密を守る

自然を守る

身を守る

国を守る

マナーを守る

ゴールを守る

締め切りを守る

Häufige Phrasen

お守り (Omamori)

— A Japanese amulet or lucky charm sold at shrines.

合格祈願のお守りを買った。

守り神 (Mamorigami)

— A guardian deity or protective spirit.

彼はこの村の守り神だ。

自分を守る

— To protect oneself, often used in self-defense contexts.

自分を守るために空手を習う。

一線を守る

— To maintain a boundary or not cross a line.

彼はプロとしての法律の一線を守った。

伝統を守る

— To preserve traditions or heritage.

古い祭りの伝統を守り続ける。

平和を守る

— To maintain or protect peace.

世界平和を守るための活動。

城を守る

— To defend a castle; metaphorically, to protect one's home.

主人が留守の間、妻が城を守る。

順序を守る

— To follow the correct order or sequence.

列の順序を守って並んでください。

言葉を守る

— To be true to one's word.

彼は自分の言葉を守る男だ。

貞操を守る

— To preserve one's chastity or virtue.

彼女は自らの貞操を守り抜いた。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

まもる vs 助ける (Tasukeru)

Tasukeru is to 'save' or 'help' someone already in trouble. Mamoru is to 'protect' them from getting into trouble.

まもる vs 防ぐ (Fusegu)

Fusegu focuses on stopping an event (like an accident). Mamoru focuses on the person or thing being kept safe.

まもる vs 従う (Shitagau)

Shitagau is to 'obey' an authority. Mamoru is to 'keep/observe' a rule or promise.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"口を割らずに秘密を守る"

— To keep a secret without letting a word out.

彼は拷問されても口を割らずに秘密を守った。

Dramatic

"身を粉にして家族を守る"

— To work oneself to the bone to protect one's family.

父は身を粉にして家族を守ってくれた。

Emotional

"牙を剥いて守る"

— To protect something fiercely, like an animal showing its teeth.

母鳥は卵を牙を剥いて守った。

Literary

"死を賭して守る"

— To protect something even at the cost of one's life.

彼は死を賭して王を守った。

Heroic

"鉄壁の守り"

— Iron-clad defense; an impenetrable protection.

そのチームは鉄壁の守りを見せた。

Sports/Military

"形勢を守る"

— To maintain one's current position or advantage.

今は攻めるより形勢を守るべきだ。

Strategic

"初心を忘るべからず (and mamoru)"

— While not using the word directly, often paired with the idea of 'protecting' one's original intention.

初心を守り続けることが大切だ。

Philosophical

"一国一城の主として守る"

— To protect one's domain as the lord of a castle.

彼は自分の店を一国一城の主として守っている。

Idiomatic

"ルールは守るためにある"

— Rules exist to be followed (a common saying).

ルールは守るためにあるんだよ。

Common

"沈黙を守る"

— To maintain silence.

彼は事件について沈黙を守り続けている。

Formal

Leicht verwechselbar

まもる vs 救う (Sukuu)

Both involve safety.

Sukuu is 'to rescue' from a dire situation (e.g., saving the world). Mamoru is general protection.

世界を救う (Save the world).

まもる vs 保つ (Tamotsu)

Both involve keeping a state.

Tamotsu is more about 'maintaining' a physical state (like temperature). Mamoru is about 'protecting' it.

温度を保つ (Maintain the temperature).

まもる vs 防衛する (Bouei-suru)

Both mean defend.

Bouei is formal and often military/national. Mamoru is used for everything.

自衛隊が国を防衛する。

まもる vs 維持する (Iji-suru)

Both mean maintain.

Iji-suru is a technical/formal 'maintenance'. Mamoru has more emotional or ethical weight.

現状を維持する。

まもる vs 遵守する (Junshu-suru)

Both mean follow rules.

Junshu is strictly for laws and is very formal.

法令を遵守する。

Satzmuster

[Noun] をまもります。

かぞくをまもります。

[Noun] をまもってください。

ルールをまもってください。

[Noun] をまもるために、[Action]。

しぜんをまもるために、ゴミをひろいます。

[Noun] がまもれます。

ひみつがまもれます。

[Noun] をまもりつづける。

でんとうをまもりつづける。

[Noun] に [Noun] をまもらせる。

こどもにやくそくをまもらせる。

[Noun] をまもることは、[Noun] ことだ。

めいよをまもることは、自分をまもることだ。

[Noun] をまもるという名目のもとに...

くにをまもるというめいもくのもとに...

Wortfamilie

Substantive

守り (Mamori - protection/defense)

お守り (Omamori - charm)

守備 (Shubi - defense in sports)

保守 (Hoshu - conservation/maintenance)

Verben

見守る (Mimamoru - watch over)

守り抜く (Mamori-nuku - protect to the end)

守り立てる (Mamoritateru - to support/bring up)

Adjektive

守備的 (Shubiteki - defensive)

保守的 (Hoshuteki - conservative)

Verwandt

城 (Shiro - castle)

盾 (Tate - shield)

防ぐ (Fusegu - prevent)

助ける (Tasukeru - help)

法律 (Houritsu - law)

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frequency

Very high in daily life, media, and literature.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'mamoru' for saving someone from drowning. → 助ける (Tasukeru)
'Mamoru' is for preventing harm, 'Tasukeru' is for rescuing from harm already occurring.
Saying 'jiko o mamoru' to mean prevent an accident. → 事故を防ぐ (Jiko o fusegu)
'Mamoru' would mean you are protecting the accident itself, which is illogical.
Using 'ni' instead of 'o' for rules. → 規則を守る (Kisoku o mamoru)
'Mamoru' is a transitive verb and takes the 'o' particle.
Using 'mamoru' for physically following someone. → ついていく (Tsuite iku)
'Mamoru' means following a rule, not physically walking behind a person.
Using 'yakusoku o motsu' to mean keep a promise. → 約束を守る (Yakusoku o mamoru)
'Motsu' means to have an appointment, not to fulfill the promise itself.

Tipps

Use for Punctuality

Always use '時間を守る' to describe being on time. It is a highly valued trait in Japan.

Particle Choice

Remember to use 'を' for the thing you protect and 'から' for the thing you protect it from.

The 'Wa'

Using 'mamoru' for social rules shows you understand the importance of group harmony (Wa).

Compound Verbs

Learn '見守る' (mimamoru) to express 'watching over' someone like a child or a patient.

Kanji Structure

The kanji 守 has a 'roof' radical. Think of it as protecting something under a roof.

Promises

Breaking a 'yakusoku' is serious. Using 'mamoru' emphasizes the weight of your word.

Defense

In sports, 'mamoru' refers to the act of defending the goal or territory.

Business Context

'締め切りを守る' is a key phrase for professional success in Japan.

Mnemonic

Associate 'Mamoru' with 'Armor'—they both start with 'M' sounds and involve protection.

Legal Terminology

When you move to B2/C1, start replacing 'mamoru' with '遵守する' in formal writing.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

'Ma, more you!' Imagine a child saying 'Ma, more protection!' to their mother. Ma-mo-ru.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a samurai standing under a roof (the kanji 守) with a hand (the bottom part) holding a sword to protect the house.

Word Web

Protect Guard Keep Promise Obey Law Defend Preserve Watch Over Stay Punctual

Herausforderung

Try to spend a whole day 'mamoru-ing' your schedule. Every time you are on time, say 'Jikan o mamotta!' (I protected the time!)

Wortherkunft

Derived from the ancient Japanese word 'ma' (eye) and 'moru' (to watch/stare).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To watch over something intently with one's eyes.

Japonic

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful not to use 'mamoru' when you mean 'save' (tasukeru) in an emergency, as it might sound like you are just watching instead of acting.

English speakers use 'follow' for rules, but 'protect' for people. In Japanese, 'mamoru' covers both, which can be confusing at first.

Sailor Moon's character Mamoru Chiba (Tuxedo Mask), whose name literally means 'to protect.' The movie 'Seven Samurai' is the ultimate story of 'mamoru.' The Japanese National Anthem mentions protecting the reign of the Emperor.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

School

校則を守る (Follow school rules)
時間を守る (Be on time)
持ち物を守る (Take care of belongings)
友達をいじめから守る (Protect friends from bullying)

Traffic/Safety

信号を守る (Obey traffic lights)
制限速度を守る (Keep to speed limit)
身の安全を守る (Protect one's safety)
右側通行を守る (Keep to the right)

Business

締め切りを守る (Meet the deadline)
機密を守る (Keep secrets/confidentiality)
コンプライアンスを守る (Stay compliant)
部下を守る (Protect subordinates)

Sports

ゴールを守る (Guard the goal)
リードを守る (Hold the lead)
ポジションを守る (Keep one's position)
自分の陣地を守る (Defend one's territory)

Personal Relationships

約束を守る (Keep a promise)
秘密を守る (Keep a secret)
愛する人を守る (Protect loved ones)
名誉を守る (Protect honor)

Gesprächseinstiege

"どうして約束を守ることが大切だと思いますか？ (Why do you think keeping promises is important?)"

"あなたは時間を守るタイプですか？ (Are you the type of person who is punctual?)"

"子供の頃、どんなルールを守らされましたか？ (What kind of rules were you made to follow as a child?)"

"日本のマナーで、一番守るのが難しいのは何ですか？ (Which Japanese manner is the hardest to follow?)"

"大切な人を守るために、あなたなら何をしますか？ (What would you do to protect someone important to you?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日、自分が守った約束について書いてください。 (Write about a promise you kept today.)

あなたが一番大切に守りたいものは何ですか？ (What is the thing you want to protect the most?)

「時間を守る」ことについて、あなたの国の文化はどうですか？ (How is your country's culture regarding being on time?)

もし法律がなかったら、人々はルールを守ると思いますか？ (Do you think people would follow rules if there were no laws?)

自然を守るために、私たちができることは何でしょうか？ (What can we do to protect nature?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, '秘密を守る' (himitsu o mamoru) is the standard way to say 'keep a secret' in Japanese. It implies you are protecting the information.

Both are read as 'mamoru'. 守る is the standard, general-purpose kanji. 護る is more specific to 'shielding' or 'defending' and is often used in literary or dramatic contexts (like 'guarding' a person).

Primarily, yes. It means to respect the scheduled time. It can also mean to stick to a duration (like a 10-minute speech).

Yes, you can say 'ファイルを保護する' (hogo suru - more formal) or 'データを守る' (data o mamoru).

You say '約束が守れません' (Yakusoku ga mamoremasen).

It is a transitive verb (他動詞), so it takes the particle 'を'.

It refers to a protective amulet or charm sold at Japanese shrines and temples to bring good luck or protection.

In its ancient origin, yes. Today, '見守る' (mimamoru) is used to mean 'to watch over' someone affectionately.

The opposite is '破る' (yaburu - to break) or '違反する' (ihan-suru - to violate).

You can say '自分の意見を守る' (protect one's opinion), but '反論する' (refute) or '主張する' (insist) are more common in debating.

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