护身符 (hù shēn fú) literally means 'protect-the-body talisman' — combining 护 (hù, 'to protect'), 身 (shēn, 'body' or 'person'), and 符 (fú, 'talisman' or 'charm'). It refers to a physical object — often a small pendant, paper charm, or embroidered cloth — believed to offer spiritual or magical protection against harm, misfortune, or evil spirits. Historically rooted in Daoist and folk religious practices, it is commonly worn around the neck, carried in a pocket, or placed in homes or vehicles.

While traditionally associated with superstition or religious ritual, modern usage can be more symbolic or cultural — for example, a jade pendant given to a child as a blessing, or a red thread tied by elders during festivals. Unlike medical or legal protections, a hù shēn fú operates in the realm of belief and tradition, and its power is understood subjectively rather than empirically.