Definition

1. Verb:
   • To protect, to shield, to shelter: To act as a defense or cover for someone or something, keeping them safe from harm, danger, or difficulty. This involves providing physical or metaphorical cover.
   • To support, to patronize, to look after: To use one's influence, power, or resources to defend and assist someone, often someone weaker or in a vulnerable position.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Cây cổ thụ che chở cho ngôi nhà khỏi những cơn bão. (The ancient tree shelters the house from storms.)
  • Anh ấy luôn che chở cho em gái của mình. (He always protects his younger sister.)
  • Những người có quyền thế thường che chở cho thuộc cấp của họ. (The powerful often patronize their subordinates.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "che chở" often carries a connotation of compassionate, active guardianship. It is stronger and more personal than a neutral word like "bảo vệ" (to guard).
• It is frequently used in the reciprocal form "che chở lẫn nhau" (to protect/support each other), emphasizing mutual aid within a community or group.
  • Gia đình là nơi mọi người yêu thương và che chở lẫn nhau. (Family is where people love and protect each other.)

Variants and Related Words

• Che chắn (v): To cover, to shield (often from physical elements like sun, rain, wind). It focuses more on the physical act of covering.
  • Mái hiên che chắn cho lối đi. (The awning shields the walkway.)
• Bảo vệ (v): To guard, to defend, to protect. This is a more general and common term for protection.
• Bao bọc (v): To envelop, to embrace, to shelter. It implies surrounding someone with care and protection.

Synonyms

• Protect: To keep safe from harm or injury.
• Shield: To protect from a danger or risk.
• Shelter: To provide refuge or protection.
• Patronize: To support or protect (often with an implication of condescension or using influence).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Che chở đùm bọc: A common paired phrase meaning "to protect and help one another," highlighting community solidarity and mutual support.
  • Tinh thần che chở đùm bọc trong cộng đồng là rất quan trọng. (The spirit of protecting and helping one another in the community is very important.)

verb

1. To give cover to, to protect
   • người nghèo khổ che chở đùm bọc lẫn nhau
     the poor protect and help one another