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

衛

Meaning

Protect, Defense

Reading

onyomiえい

Parts

行Go 韋

Example Word

衛星: satellite. The Japanese noun '衛星 (えいせい)' means 'satellite'. This term is used to refer to both natural satellites, such as the moon, and artificial satellites launched into space for communication, observation, or scientific purposes. For example: The moon is Earth's natural satellite「月は地球の衛星です」(つきはちきゅうのえいせいです). Japan launched a new satellite「日本は新しい衛星を打ち上げた」(にほんはあたらしいえいせいをうちあげた). The word is commonly used in scientific, technological, and astronomical contexts.

Radical

行

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

312

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 衛

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

kanji

行

Meaning

component

韋

Words Using 衛

This kanji is used in 6 words:

word

自衛

Meaning

Self defense

word

衛生的

Meaning

Sanitary

word

自衛隊

Meaning

Self Defense Forces

word

衛生

Meaning

Hygiene

word

衛星

Meaning

Satellite

word

防衛

Meaning

Defense

Kanji Related to 衛 Through the Part 行

These 5 kanji contain the part 行 as well.

kanji

術

Meaning

Art, Technique

kanji

街

Meaning

Street, Boulevard

kanji

衝

Meaning

Collide

kanji

衡

Meaning

Balance, Equilibrium

kanji

桁

Meaning

Girder

Kanji Related to 衛 Through the Part 韋

These 4 kanji contain the part 韋 as well.

kanji

違

Meaning

Differ, Different

kanji

偉

Meaning

Great, Admirable

kanji

緯

Meaning

Horizontal, Latitude

kanji

韓

Meaning

Korea

Learn the Kanji 衛

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.