1.
to protect, to shield, to defend
To physically protect someone or something from harm or danger.
子供を庇って怪我をした。
I got injured protecting the child.
痛い足を庇って歩く。
I walk while favoring my injured leg.
母親は体を張って子を庇った。
The mother shielded her child with her own body.
2.
to cover for, to stick up for, to take someone's side
To defend or speak up for someone, especially when they are being criticized or blamed.
友達を庇って嘘をついた。
I lied to cover for my friend.
いつも彼ばかり庇うのはやめてほしい。
I wish you'd stop always taking his side.
部下の失敗を庇うのは上司の役目でもある。
Covering for a subordinate's mistake is also part of a boss's role.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 他動詞 (transitive)
- Takes を particle: 人を庇う
ASPECT (ている):
- 庇っている means 'is protecting/covering for' (ongoing action)
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 子供を庇う: to protect a child
- 友達を庇う: to cover for a friend
- 足を庇う: to favor/protect an injured leg
NUANCE: In sense 1, 庇う includes the nuance of physically shielding and can also mean protecting an injured body part by avoiding strain on it. In sense 2, it implies taking someone's side, sometimes at one's own risk or cost.