Today’s word of the day is 保 (bǎo) which means ‘to save’. Let’s practice by making different words, phrases, and sentences with 保 (bǎo).

保持 (bǎo chí) To maintain / To keep

The first word is 保持 (bǎo chí) which means ‘to maintain’ or ‘to keep’. Let’s look at each character of this word, 保 means to save and 持 (chí) can have a meaning of ‘to hold’. A way of using it in a sentence is 我们保持联系。 (Wǒmen bǎochí liánxì.) Let us keep in touch. This is something very common that you can say that you an acquaintance you have met or to a friend after seeing them.

保安 (bǎo ān) Security guard

Another word we can create with 保 (bǎo) is 保安 (bǎo ān). This is a noun that means security guard. Let’s again look at each character of this word, 保 means to save and 安 means peace. A way of using it in a sentence is 小偷被保安抓住了。(Xiǎotōu bèi bǎo'ān zhuā zhùle.) The thief was caught by the security guard.

保护 (bǎo hù) To protect

Finally, we can create the word 保护 (bǎo hù) which is a verb that means ‘to protect’. A way of using it in a sentence is 们要保护自己的眼睛。(Wǒmen yào bǎohù zìjǐ de yǎnjīng.) We must protect our eyes.