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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 守 (shǒu) to express "to guard" or "to keep watch"

    Actions & Events
    Location & Position

    Structure

    守 + 在 + Place

    Explanation

    守 (shǒu) is a verb meaning "to guard," "to keep watch over," or "to wait by." It implies staying in one place to protect or wait for something, and appears in well-known idioms like 守株待兔 (to wait idly for opportunities).

    Examples

    • 士兵们日夜守在边境线上。

      Shìbīngmen rìyè shǒu zài biānjìng xiàn shàng.

      The soldiers guard the border day and night.

    • 奶奶一直守在电话旁边等你的消息。

      Nǎinai yìzhí shǒu zài diànhuà pángbiān děng nǐ de xiāoxi.

      Grandma has been waiting by the phone for your news.

    • 他答应守住这个秘密，绝不告诉别人。

      Tā dāying shǒu zhù zhège mìmì, jué bù gàosu biérén.

      He promised to keep this secret and never tell anyone.

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    Using 守 (shǒu) to express "to guard" or "to keep watch" | Chinese Grammar