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What is the Kanji for 'Protect' and 'Defense'? | 衛

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Protect' and 'Defense', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Protect' and 'Defense' is 衛.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Protect, Defense

    Reading

    onyomiえい

    ei

    Parts

    Go

    Example Word

    自衛隊: Self Defense Forces. The Japanese noun '自衛隊 (じえいたい)' refers to the 'Self-Defense Forces' of Japan, which is the country's military organization. Established after World War II, the Self-Defense Forces are primarily responsible for national defense and disaster relief operations. The term is often used in discussions about Japan's defense policies, international military cooperation, and domestic emergency responses. Example sentences: The Self-Defense Forces conducted a rescue operation「自衛隊が救助活動を行った」(じえいたいがきゅうじょかつどうをおこなった). He joined the Self-Defense Forces「彼は自衛隊に入隊した」(かれはじえいたいににゅうたいした).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    16

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    5

    Frequency

    312

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    kanji

    Meaning

    Go

    component

Words Using

This kanji is used in 6 words:

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 5 kanji contain the part 行 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Art, Technique

    kanji

    Meaning

    Street, Boulevard

    kanji

    Meaning

    Collide

    kanji

    Meaning

    Balance, Equilibrium

    kanji

    Meaning

    Girder

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 4 kanji contain the part 韋 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Differ, Different

    kanji

    Meaning

    Great, Admirable

    kanji

    Meaning

    Horizontal, Latitude

    kanji

    Meaning

    Korea

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 衛 mean?

衛 means 'Protect' and 'Defense'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Fifth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N1 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.