防卫

fángwèi

to defend

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"防卫" primarily means to defend or protect oneself or others from harm or danger. It is often used in contexts involving physical defense, legal self-protection, or military defense.

Common Collocations

  • 防卫措施 (defensive measures): actions taken to protect or defend.
  • 自我防卫 (self-defense): protecting oneself from harm.
  • 防卫反应 (defense reaction): natural or instinctive response to threat.

Usage Notes

"防卫" is a formal term often used in legal, military, or official contexts. It emphasizes active protection or guarding. It differs from "保护" which can be broader and more passive. When talking about personal safety, "防卫" implies taking action to resist or prevent harm.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "防卫" with "防守" which focuses more on guarding or holding a position, especially in sports or military tactics. "防卫" stresses the act of defending against an attack or threat.

Example Sentences

士兵们在边境线上进行防卫,防止敌人入侵。

Shìbīng men zài biānjìng xiàn shàng jìnxíng fángwèi, fángzhǐ dírén rùqīn.

The soldiers are defending the border line to prevent enemy invasion.

他采取了法律手段进行自我防卫,保护自己的权益。

Tā cǎiqǔle fǎlǜ shǒuduàn jìnxíng zìwǒ fángwèi, bǎohù zìjǐ de quányì.

He took legal measures for self-defense to protect his rights.

防卫反应是人体对危险的自然反应。

Fángwèi fǎnyìng shì réntǐ duì wēixiǎn de zìrán fǎnyìng.

The defense reaction is the body's natural response to danger.