Japanese Symbol for

守護

shugo

protection · guardian · defense

Readings

  • 守 ONシュ・スshu / su
  • 守 KUNまも(る)・も(り)mamoru / mori (to protect)
  • 護 ONゴgo
  • 護 KUNまも(る)mamoru (to guard)

Meaning

Protection, guardianship, defense. 守護 is the protection offered by a guardian — divine or human. 守 alone (mamoru) means "to protect" and is a popular given name for boys, symbolizing the protector role.

Example words

守る

mamoru

to protect, to defend, to keep

お守り

omamori

protective amulet, good luck charm

守護天使

shugo tenshi

guardian angel

防衛

bōei

defense, protection

護身

goshin

self-defense (body protection)

守護神

shugoshin

guardian deity, patron god

お守り (omamori — protective amulets) are sold at every Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple in Japan — specific charms for different protections: traffic safety (交通安全), exam success (学業成就), love (縁結び), health (健康), and dozens more. Japan's 守護神 (shugoshin — guardian deities) watch over specific places, occupations, and families.

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