防守 fángshǒu to defend
to defend; to protect (against)
How to remember 防守: 防 to protect + 守 to defend = to defend.
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How it is used
- To guard/defend a position - the standard sports and tactical term - 我们队防守很强 (wǒmen duì fángshǒu hěn qiáng) our team's defense is strong.
- Opposite of 进攻 (jìngōng, attack); the natural offense/defense pair in basketball, soccer, chess, war - 发起进攻 (fāqǐ jìngōng) launch an attack.
- Concrete and active (holding a goal, a line, a base), unlike the abstract 防御 (overall defensive posture).