Readings: ボウ (Onyomi), ふせ.ぐ (Kunyomi)
Meaning: Prevent, protect, defend
The kanji 防 combines the radical 阜 (こざとへん – hill/mound, often associated with city walls or boundaries) and 方 (ほう – direction/square, which also acts as a phonetic component here, sounding like ボウ). Together, it suggests protecting or defending boundaries, often from an attack or unwanted entry.
View JLPT N2 Kanji ListHow to Write – Stroke Order
The kanji 防 has 7 strokes. Start with the radical 阜 (こざとへん) on the left, then write the 方 component on the right. Pay attention to the order and direction of each stroke for proper balance.
Kanji Details
| Radical | 阜 (こざとへん) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 7 |
| JLPT Level | N2 |
| Grade | S (Jouyou Kanji) |
Readings with English Transcription
Onyomi (Chinese readings)
- ボウ (Bō)
Kunyomi (Japanese readings)
- ふせぐ (fusegu)
Common Words Using 防
Onyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 予防 | よぼう | prevention |
| 防災 | ぼうさい | disaster prevention |
| 防御 | ぼうぎょ | defense, protection |
| 防犯 | ぼうはん | crime prevention |
| 防水 | ぼうすい | waterproof |
| 防衛 | ぼうえい | defense, security |
| 防火 | ぼうか | fire prevention |
| 防音 | ぼうおん | soundproofing |
| 防虫 | ぼうちゅう | insect repellent/prevention |
| 防腐 | ぼうふ | antiseptic, preservation |
Kunyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 防ぐ | ふせぐ | to prevent, to defend, to ward off |
| 防ぐ | ふせぐ | to prevent, to defend, to ward off |
| 防ぐ | ふせぐ | to prevent, to defend, to ward off |
| 防ぐ | ふせぐ | to prevent, to defend, to ward off |
| 防ぐ | ふせぐ | to prevent, to defend, to ward off |
| 防ぐ | ふせぐ | to prevent, to defend, to ward off |
| 防ぐ | ふせぐ | to prevent, to defend, to ward off |
| 防ぐ | ふせぐ | to prevent, to defend, to ward off |
| 防ぐ | ふせぐ | to prevent, to defend, to ward off |
| 防ぐ | ふせぐ | to prevent, to defend, to ward off |
Example Sentences
Japanese: インフルエンザの予防接種を受けました。
Kana: インフルエンザのよぼうせっしゅをうけました。
Romaji: Infuruenza no yobō sesshu o ukemashita.
English: I received a flu shot for prevention.
Japanese: 災害を防ぐために準備が必要です。
Kana: さいがいをふせぐためによぼうがひつようです。
Romaji: Saigai o fusegu tame ni junbi ga hitsuyō desu.
English: Preparation is necessary to prevent disasters.
Japanese: この建物は防音対策がされています。
Kana: このたてものはぼうおんたいさくがされています。
Romaji: Kono tatemono wa bōon taisaku ga sarete imasu.
English: This building has soundproofing measures.
Japanese: 警察は防犯カメラを設置した。
Kana: けいさつはぼうはんカメラをせっちした。
Romaji: Keisatsu wa bōhan kamera o secchi shita.
English: The police installed crime prevention cameras.
Japanese: 敵の攻撃を防いだ。
Kana: てきのこうげきをふせいだ。
Romaji: Teki no kōgeki o fuseida.
English: We defended against the enemy’s attack.
Japanese: このスプレーは虫を防ぎます。
Kana: このスプレーはむしをふせぎます。
Romaji: Kono supurē wa mushi o fusegimasu.
English: This spray prevents insects.
Japanese: 火災を防ぐために、禁煙です。
Kana: かさいをふせぐために、きんえんです。
Romaji: Kasai o fusegu tame ni, kin’en desu.
English: Smoking is prohibited to prevent fires.
Japanese: 彼はチームの防御に貢献した。
Kana: かれはチームのぼうぎょにこうけんした。
Romaji: Kare wa chīmu no bōgyo ni kōken shita.
English: He contributed to the team’s defense.
Japanese: 防水加工の服を着て雨の中を歩いた。
Kana: ぼうすいかこうのふくをきてあめのなかをあるいた。
Romaji: Bōsui kakō no fuku o kite ame no naka o aruita.
English: I walked in the rain wearing waterproof clothing.
Japanese: 風邪を防ぐには手洗いとうがいが大切です。
Kana: かぜをふせぐにはてあらいとうがいがたいせつです。
Romaji: Kaze o fusegu ni wa tearai to ugai ga taisetsu desu.
English: Washing hands and gargling are important to prevent colds.
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