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JapanLingo

defense / guard

N1
Onyomi
Stroke count
16
JLPT
N1

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of a perimeter fence enclosing the yard, with the kanji 衛 ("defense") drawn into the picture.

Picture a perimeter fence enclosing the yard: that is what 衛 means — defense / guard. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 行 (go / conduct) — a crossroads seen from above, paths leading off in both directions, and beside it 韋 (hide / surround) — a hide stretched taut between feet planted on either side of it. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 16

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 16 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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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

bouei

defense

boueisuru

to do defense

boueishita

plain past: did defense

boueishimasu

polite: do defense

boueishinai

plain negative: does not do defense

boueichuudesu

in the middle of defense

Example sentences (2)

kuni no bouei nitsuite giron ga tsuzuiteimasu.

Debate continues about national defense.

boueihi no zougaku o meguri, kokkai de wa hageshii giron ga kawasaremashita.

Fierce debate was exchanged in the Diet over increasing defense spending.