保家卫国

bǎo jiā wèi guó

to protect one’s home and defend one’s country

Character by character

保bǎo
protect

家jiā
home

卫wèi
defend

国guó
country

他从小就梦想长大以后当兵，保家卫国。

As a boy he dreamed of growing up to be a soldier and defending his country.

Tone: positive (praise).

A set phrase of patriotic speeches, songs and recruiting posters, best known from the 1950s slogan 抗美援朝，保家卫国. Often after 为了, or as in 肩负保家卫国的使命.

Learn this in Lesson 202 · HSK 7–9: 参军 (Joining the army)

A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.