Discover how 守 connects protection with keeping rules and promises. Learn each reading as part of a word.
The idea
守 has six strokes; follow the linked diagram. 守る（まもる） means to protect or observe; 見守る（みまもる） means to watch over. 留守（るす） means absence from home.
| Japanese word | Reading | Example in context |
|---|---|---|
| 守る | まもる | I protect my family. |
| 留守 | るす | My father is not at home now. |
| 見守る | みまもる | The children are watching over the dog. |
Examples
- 私は家族を守ります。I protect my family.
- 私たちはルールを守ります。We follow the rules.
- 約束を守ってください。Please keep your promise.
- 父は今留守です。My father is not at home now.
- 私たちは自然を守ります。We protect nature.
- 子供たちは犬を見守っています。The children are watching over the dog.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No Japanese device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
Do not read every 守 as まも: 留守 is るす. 守る can also mean keeping a promise, not only protecting a person.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 守る in hiragana.
Show answer or example answer
まもる
守る is まもる: 家族を守る means to protect one’s family.
Write the reading of 留守 in hiragana.
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るす
留守 is るす: 父は留守です means father is away from home.
Choose the missing kanji: 約束を＿る ［守／近］.
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守
守 completes 約束を守る, to keep a promise.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 守る in hiragana.
Write the reading of 留守 in hiragana.
Choose the missing kanji: 約束を＿る ［守／近］.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write 守 following the diagram. Cover the table, read 守る and 留守, then make a sentence with 守る.