防范
fángfàn · HSK 6
be on guard
🛡️ 防 = guard/defend + 范 = pattern/scope — guard the scope
防 means to defend or prevent; 范 means a pattern, model, or boundary. Together: keep watch over a defined area against threats. Related to 防止 (prevent) and 模范 (model).
防 — mound radical 阝(阜) + 方 fāng (phonetic)
防 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The left element 阝 (from 阜) depicts a mound or earthen embankment, suggesting barriers and defense. The right element 方 supplies the sound. Together they evoke a dike or rampart that guards against floods or attacks, hence 'to guard, prevent, defend'.