Japanese word

防御

Pronunciation

Romajibōgyo

Meaning

  • noundefense

Example

このチームは防御が強いです。ko no chī mu wa bō gyo ga tsuyo i de su

This team has a strong defense.

Illustration for 防御 (defense)

More examples

このヘルメットは頭部の防御に役立ちます。ko no he ru me tto wa tō bu no bō gyo ni yaku da chi ma su

This helmet helps protect the head.

Core concept

It describes keeping a person, group, or thing safe from attack or other threats.

Common phrases

  • 防御が固いbō gyo ga kata i

    solid defense

  • 防御を固めるbō gyo o kata me ru

    strengthen the defense

  • 防御に回るbō gyo ni mawa ru

    switch to defense

Similar words

防衛bōei: The act of protecting a person, group, or territory against attack.
守備shubi: The act of protecting a particular area or goal, especially in a sport.
防護bōgo: The act of shielding a person or thing from physical harm or danger.

Definition in Japanese

攻撃や害を受けないように、身や物を守ること。kō geki ya gai o u ke na i yō ni mi ya mono o mamo ru ko to

Word origin

防御 (bōgyo) combines 防 (bō, "prevent") and 御 (gyo, "control"), two Sino-Japanese elements that together express guarding against attack or harm.

Usage tips

  • The English word defense often brings sports to mind, but 防御 (bōgyo) also covers protection against physical attacks or other threats.

Other meanings

  • protectionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 防御力bōgyoryokudefensive strengthnoun
  • 防御的bōgyotekidefensivena-adjective

Word lists with this word