prevent

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is ぼう, and the kun reading is ふせぐ. It has 7 strokes. It appears in words for blocking cold wind and preventing accidents.
• Basic usage: 防ぐ is read ふせぐ and 防止 is read ぼうし.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 防ぐ / 防止
  • 防ぐ means block or prevent and is read ふせぐ. It describes blocking cold wind or preventing an accident.
  • 窓を閉めて冷たい風が入るのを防いだ。 means “I closed the window to block the cold wind.”
  • 防止 means prevention and is read ぼうし. It refers to prevention of accidents or information leaks.
  • 事故防止のため、作業前に器具を点検する。 means “We inspect equipment before work to prevent accidents.”