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JLPT N116画 · 16 strokesradical 手freq #1213

hug, embrace, possess, protect

Also: lead

On'yomi (音読み)

  • ヨウ

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

Mnemonic

As I hug a tree, my hand (手) wraps around its trunk, protecting the environment that I possess and embrace.

About this kanji

The kanji 擁 (よう) primarily means to embrace or protect. It is often used in verb forms rather than as a standalone noun. Some common compounds include 擁立 (ようりつ), meaning backing for a position, and 擁護 (ようご), which translates to protection. Another important compound is 擁する (ようする), meaning to embrace or hold. A notable term is 人権擁護 (じんけんようご), referring to the protection of human rights. When using this kanji, think of it as representing a sense of support or care, whether for people, ideas, or causes.

Example sentences

  • 彼は権利を擁護する。

    He advocates for rights.

Meanings across languages

English
hug, embrace, possess, protect, lead
Tiếng Việt
ôm
日本語
抱く
한국어
포옹하다
中文
拥抱
id
pelukan
th
การโอบกอด
es
abrazo
fr
embrasser
de
Umarmung
pt
abraçar

Common compounds

  • 擁立ようりつbacking (for a position), giving support to, helping (someone) to a position
  • 擁護ようごprotection, defence, support
  • 擁するようするto embrace, to hug, to have
  • 人権擁護じんけんようごprotection of human rights
  • 抱擁ほうようembrace, hug, holding in one's arms
  • 擁壁ようへきretaining wall, breast wall, revetment
  • 相擁あいようembrace, hug
  • 擁護論ようごろんchampionship, defense (e.g. of a position in debate), apologetics

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