保
protect · guarantee · keep · preserve · sustain · support
Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
person + 呆
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of person and simpleton. Person protecting.
Symbolism
Protection, preservation, insurance. Represents protecting.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
保革伯仲
ほかくはくちゅう
conservatives and reformists being neck and neck; balanced conservative and progressive strengths; conservatives and reformists being neck and neck
明哲保身
めいてつほしん
wisdom and self-protection; wise and skilled in the art of self-protection; wisdom and self-protection
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 保 mean in Japanese?
保 means protect, guarantee, keep, preserve, sustain, support.
How do you read 保?
On'yomi: ホ、ホウ (HO, HOU). Kun'yomi: たも.つ (tamotsu).
How many strokes does 保 have?
保 has 9 strokes. Its radical is 人 (person).
Is 保 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 保 (protect, guarantee, keep, preserve, sustain, support) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
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