protect
N3- Onyomi
- シュ
- Kunyomi
- まも(る)
- Stroke count
- 6
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture a wall drawn right around what it holds: that is what 守 means — protect. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 宀 (roof) — a roof stretched over the whole house, and beside it 寸 (measure / inch) — a hand measuring a short distance. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 6
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は6画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 6 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
守る
mamoru
to protect
守って
mamotte
protect — te-form
守ります
mamorimasu
protect — polite present
守らない
mamoranai
protect — plain negative
守りました
mamorimashita
protect — polite past
守りません
mamorimasen
protect — polite negative
Example sentences (5)
約束の時間を守ってください。
やくそく の じかん を まもって ください。
yakusoku no jikan o mamotte kudasai.
Please keep to the agreed time.
日本の職場では、締め切りを守ることがとても大事にされています。
にほん の しょくば で は、しめきり を まもる こと が とても だいじ に されています。
nihon no shokuba de wa, shimekiri o mamoru koto ga totemo daiji ni sareteimasu.
In Japanese workplaces, meeting deadlines is treated as very important.
留守だった場合、荷物は宅配ボックスに配達されます。
るす だった ばあい、にもつ は たくはい ぼっくす に はいたつ されます。
rusu datta baai, nimotsu wa takuhai bokkusu ni haitatsu saremasu.
If you are not home, the package is delivered to the parcel box.
約束を守ることで、信頼されるようになります。
やくそく を まもる こと で、しんらい される よう に なります。
yakusoku o mamoru koto de, shinrai sareru you ni narimasu.
By keeping your promises, you come to be trusted.
留守だったので、荷物を受け取ることができませんでした。
るす だった ので、にもつ を うけとる こと が できません でした。
rusu datta node, nimotsu o uketoru koto ga dekimasen deshita.
I was not home, so I could not receive the package.