Definition

1. Verb:
   • To guard: To watch over and protect a person, place, or thing to prevent harm, theft, or escape. It implies a continuous, vigilant watch for security purposes.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Người lính canh giữ cổng thành. (The soldier guards the city gate.)
  • Chó nghiệp vụ được huấn luyện để canh giữ kho hàng. (Trained guard dogs are used to guard the warehouse.)
  • Nhiệm vụ của họ là canh giữ biên giới quốc gia. (Their duty is to guard the national border.)

Advanced Usage

• The verb "canh giữ" often carries a formal or official connotation, associated with military, security, or solemn responsibility. It is stronger and more specific than the more general word "giữ" (to keep).

Variants and Related Words

• Canh gác (v): To stand guard, to be on watch duty. It emphasizes the act of keeping watch at a specific post.
  • Hai cảnh sát đang canh gác tại hiện trường. (Two police officers are standing guard at the scene.)
• Bảo vệ (v): To protect, to defend. This is a broader term that can mean physical protection, legal defense, or safeguarding principles.
  • Luật pháp bảo vệ quyền công dân. (The law protects citizens' rights.)
• Trông nom (v): To look after, to keep an eye on. This implies care and supervision, often in a less formal or militaristic context.
  • Bà ấy trông nom ngôi nhà khi họ đi vắng. (She looks after the house while they are away.)

Synonyms

• Guard: To protect from danger or watch over.
• Watch over: To observe and protect.
• Safeguard: To protect and ensure safety.

Related Idioms

• Canh giữ như giữ của (to guard as if guarding treasure): To guard something with extreme care and vigilance.
  • Anh ấy canh giữ bí mật đó như giữ của. (He guards that secret as if it were treasure.)

verb

1. to guard