set up defenses; be on guard
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesverb
to set up defenses; to fortify; to establish defensive positions
Refers to military or physical defense arrangements.
Gǔ古
dài代
de的
chéng城
shì市
tōng通
cháng常
huì会
zài在
sì四
zhōu周
shè设
fáng防
。
Ancient cities were usually fortified on all sides.
Jūn军
duì队
zài在
biān边
jìng境
bù步
bù步
shè设
fáng防
。
The army set up defenses step by step along the border.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Zhè这
shì是
yī一
zuò座
bù不
shè设
fáng防
de的
chéng城
shì市
。
This is an undefended city.
verb
to be on one's guard (against); to keep up one's defenses (mentally or emotionally)
Often used in negative constructions such as '互不设防' (mutually open/trusting) to describe interpersonal relationships where parties are mentally guarded or conversely completely open.
Liǎng两
rén人
zhāo朝
xī夕
xiāng相
chù处
，
sī思
xiǎng想
shàng上
hù互
bù不
shè设
fáng防
。
The two lived together day and night, completely open with each other mentally.
Tā他
duì对
mò陌
shēng生
rén人
zǒng总
shì是
xīn心
cún存
shè设
fáng防
。
He is always on his guard against strangers.
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
Zài在
zhè这
ge个
tuán团
duì队
lǐ里
，
dà大
jiā家
bǐ彼
cǐ此
bù不
shè设
fáng防
，
hé合
zuò作
hěn很
yú愉
kuài快
。
In this team, everyone is open with each other without guardedness, making cooperation very pleasant.
Nǐ你
bù不
yào要
duì对
wǒ我
shè设
fáng防
，
wǒ我
shì是
zhēn真
xīn心
xiǎng想
bāng帮
zhù助
nǐ你
de的
。
Don't be on your guard against me; I genuinely want to help you.