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捍卫 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
捍卫hànwèito defendHSK 7, v, rank #8715, Hard
捍卫hànwèito upholdHSK 7, v, rank #8715, Hard
捍卫hànwèito safeguardHSK 7, v, rank #8715, Hard
hànwèi(han4wei4) T4
  1. 1to defend
  2. 2to uphold
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March 24, 2026
捍卫(捍衛)hànwèi(han4wei4)

The verb 捍卫 (hànwèi) means to defend, uphold, or safeguard something, such as a principle, belief, or territory. It is commonly used in formal contexts, particularly in discussions about rights, justice, or national security, conveying a strong sense of commitment and protection.

Frequency#8715DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 捍卫 is often associated with loyalty to one's country or community, reflecting the value placed on collective identity and responsibility. Historical events, such as national defense efforts, frequently invoke the term.

Memory Tip

Imagine a knight (捍) standing firmly (卫) on a castle wall, safeguarding the kingdom. The character 捍 (hàn) looks like a knight holding a shield, while 卫 (wèi) resembles a wall protecting against invaders. Together, they create a vivid image of a defender.

Meanings of 捍卫

hànwèi(han4wei4)
1to defend
2to uphold
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 捍卫

捍卫Simplified
捍衛Traditional
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#8715Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 捍卫

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Podcast: 捍卫

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AI Study Notes for 捍卫

Quick Contrast

维护 (wéihù) vs 捍卫 (hànwèi): Use 捍卫 when emphasizing a strong defense or protection, while 维护 is more about maintaining or preserving.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a knight (捍) standing firmly (卫) on a castle wall, safeguarding the kingdom. The character 捍 (hàn) looks like a knight holding a shield, while 卫 (wèi) resembles a wall protecting against invaders. Together, they create a vivid image of a defender.

Usage Notes

Be sure to use 捍卫 in contexts that require a strong and formal tone, as it is not typically used in casual conversation. Common collocations include 捍卫权利 (defend rights) and 捍卫国家 (safeguard the nation). Watch out for the correct tones: hàn and wèi.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 捍卫 connects to themes of social justice and national pride often found in advanced texts. Students should focus on using this word in formal writing and speeches, as well as understanding its connotations of loyalty and duty.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 捍卫 is often associated with loyalty to one's country or community, reflecting the value placed on collective identity and responsibility. Historical events, such as national defense efforts, frequently invoke the term.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 捍卫 with 保卫 (bǎowèi), which is less intense. For example, saying '我保卫我的观点' (I protect my viewpoint) is incorrect; it should be '我捍卫我的观点' to convey a stronger defense.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 捍卫

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Component Characters

hànto defend, to guard; to ward off
10 strokes
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wèivassal state during the Zhou Dynasty (1066-221 BC), located in present day Henan and Hebei Provinces
HSK 53 strokes
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Write 捍卫

Practice writing 捍卫 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 捍卫

捍卫 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

贝内特发起了一场____“道德价值”、反对腐朽堕落的“自由相对论”的战争。

Bennett launched a crusade for "moral values" against decadent "liberal relativism."

Example Sentences for 捍卫 (1)

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1
贝内特发起了一场捍卫“道德价值”、反对腐朽堕落的“自由相对论”的战争。

bèi nèi tè fā qǐ le yī cháng hàn wèi“ “ dào dé jià”、 zhí ”、 fǎn duì fǔ xiǔ duò“ luò de “ zì yóu” xiāng duì lùn。

Bennett launched a crusade for "moral values" against decadent "liberal relativism."

Cultural Notes for 捍卫

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of 捍卫 is often associated with loyalty to one's country or community, reflecting the value placed on collective identity and responsibility. Historical events, such as national defense efforts, frequently invoke the term.

Frequently Asked Questions about 捍卫

No, 捍卫 is typically used in formal contexts and should be reserved for serious discussions.