Common Meanings
1
shǒu守
To keep, guard, or maintain; includes meanings such as preserving, defending, upholding principles, and assisting each other.
邻里之间应该守望相助，共同维护社区的安全与和谐。
Neighbors should help and look out for each other, jointly maintaining the safety and harmony of the community.
To guard; to watch over; to protect
父母总是努力守护孩子的梦想。
Parents always strive to protect their children's dreams.
To stay in or guard a specific place; to remain behind.
我们得留守在这里，直到救援队到来。
We must remain here until the rescue team arrives.
To observe, abide by, or keep (rules, laws, time).
我们应该遵守交通规则。
We should observe traffic rules.
To maintain the original state, unwilling to change; to be conservative or stick to old ways.
他做事总是很保守，不喜欢轻易尝试新方法。
He is always very conservative in his work, not liking to easily try new methods.
To stay together, often implying a long-term commitment, as in 'sīshǒu' (to live together, to remain together).
他们决定厮守终生，永不分离
They decided to stay together for life and never part.
To uphold moral principles; integrity, especially in conduct.
他以高尚的操守赢得了大家的尊重。
He earned everyone's respect with his noble integrity.
To stay near or by something; to be close to.
他喜欢守着窗户，看外面的人来人往
He likes to stay by the window, watching people come and go outside.
An ancient official title, such as a prefect or governor, often seen in phrases like '太守' (tài shǒu) and '守令' (shǒu lìng).
他曾担任此郡的太守，治理有方。
He once served as the prefect of this commandery, governing effectively.