保守

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 保守(ほしゅ) means a conservative position that preserves existing values or institutions, or the maintenance of equipment and systems.
• Basic usage: In politics it appears in 保守の立場; for equipment upkeep it appears in 設備を保守する.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Choose the sense by field
  • In political contexts it means “conservatism” or “conservative,” while in technical contexts it means maintenance or upkeep.
• Difference from 修理
  • 修理(しゅうり) means fixing something after it breaks, while maintenance-related 保守 includes inspection and action to keep it functioning normally.