The Meaning of kabau [庇う] In Japanese

庇う
かばう
Romaji: kabau N4

What does 庇う mean?

Translation and Meaning

to shield, to protect, to shelter, to defend someone from blame, to cover for

Definition

庇う means to shield or protect someone from harm or blame, to shelter under someone’s protection, or to make excuses for someone.

Type

Verb (godan)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • physical shielding or sheltering from harm, rain, or danger
  • defending or advocating for someone, especially against criticism
  • excusing or rationalizing another’s fault by masking their wrongdoing
  • being sheltered under someone’s protection or authority in a figurative sense

Etymology

庇 kabau The word uses the kanji 庇 with kun’yomi かばう; phonetic continuity is preserved in Modern Japanese; no loanword influence.

Composition

  • 庇: shelter, overhang; conveys the sense of guarding or covering
  • う: standard verb ending for a godan verb

Usage

Used as a transitive verb with を to mark the direct object; common in both casual conversation and formal writing. Typical patterns include 人を庇う, 彼を庇う, describing physical shielding or defending someone from blame; can also express protecting someone under one’s authority in a metaphorical sense.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: visualize a roof sheltering a person; the idea of protecting someone helps recall that 庇う means to shield or defend.

Variations

  • かばう (to shield) — kabau
  • 守る (to protect) — mamoru
  • 庇護する (to shelter/defend) — higo suru
庇う