守
guard · protect · defend · obey
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of roof and hand. Protecting home with hands.
Symbolism
Defense, observance, guard. Represents protection and maintenance.
Component Breakdown
roof + inch
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
旧套墨守
きゅうとうぼくしゅ
clinging to old customs; adhering to old traditions
創業守成
そうぎょうしゅせい
starting an enterprise and (or) carrying it to final success
守株待兎
しゅしゅたいと
Guarding the tree stump waiting for a rabbit; Foolishly waiting for a lucky accident to repeat
Poetry
淡路島 かよふ千鳥の 鳴く声に 幾夜ねざめぬ 須磨の関守
How many nights has the guard at Suma barrier woken to the cries of plovers crossing from Awaji Island?
Anime & Manga
可愛いだけじゃない式守さん
Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie
A well-known work with 守 in its Japanese title.
精霊の守り人
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
A well-known work with 守 in its Japanese title.
尾守つみきと奇日常。
Tsumiki Ogami's Not-So-Ordinary Life
A well-known work with 守 in its Japanese title.
星守る犬
Stargazing Dog
A well-known work with 守 in its Japanese title.
ぼくの地球を守って
Please Save My Earth
A well-known work with 守 in its Japanese title.
Related Figures & Stories
林廣守
Name contains 守
Hiromori Hayashi was a Japanese composer credited with composing the Japanese national anthem "Kimigayo".
Wikipedia北条守時
Name contains 守
Hojo Moritoki was the last Shikken of the Kamakura shogunate and the last regent of the Hōjō clan.
Wikipedia九鬼守隆
Name contains 守
Kuki Moritaka was a general and admiral in the service of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the son of Kuki Yoshitaka, one of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's top generals.
Wikipedia守貞親王
Name contains 守
Prince Morisada was a Japanese prince and retired emperor during the early Kamakura period of Japan.
WikipediaOther kanji with the same meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 守 mean in Japanese?
守 means guard, protect, defend, obey.
How do you read 守?
On'yomi: シュ、ス (SHU, SU). Kun'yomi: まも.る、まも.り、もり、-もり、かみ (mamoru, mamori, mori, mori, kami).
How many strokes does 守 have?
守 has 6 strokes. Its radical is 宀 (roof).
Is 守 a good kanji for a tattoo?
守 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means guard, protect, defend, obey. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.