守

KANJI DETAIL

protect

On readingしゅ

6 strokesN2

Radical 宀 · roof

Stroke order

6 strokes

Japanese readings

On reading: しゅ
Kun reading: かみ, まもる, もり

Study notes

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

Structure: 守 means keeping or protecting; its kun-reading is まもる and its on-reading is しゅ.
Basic usage: 守る(まもる) means to keep or protect, while 留守(るす) means being away from home.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

Keeping a commitment and being away from home
- 時間を守った means being on time. 守る applies to observing an agreed time as well as to protecting animals.
- 留守だった means that someone was away from home. The whole word 留守 is read るす and appears when no one is home for a delivery.