阻碍

• Pinyin: zǔ ài
• Hanzi breakdown: 阻 = 阝(mound) + 且 (moreover) — to block; 碍 = 石 (stone) + 疑 (doubt) — obstacle

Meaning

To hinder; to obstruct; obstacle. Something that prevents or slows progress, or the act of blocking something.

Can be used as both verb and noun. As a verb, it means to obstruct or impede. As a noun, it refers to an obstacle or hindrance. Common in discussions about development, progress, and problem-solving.

Examples

1. 语言障碍不应该阻碍文化交流。 Language barriers should not hinder cultural exchange.
2. 官僚主义是改革的最大阻碍。 Bureaucracy is the biggest obstacle to reform.
3. 不要让恐惧阻碍你追求梦想。 Don't let fear hinder you from pursuing your dreams.

Usage Guide

Context: business, development, problem-solving

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 技术难题阻碍了项目的进展。(Technical difficulties hindered the project's progress.)
• 我们必须消除这些阻碍因素。(We must eliminate these hindering factors.)

Don't Say

• 说'桌子阻碍了我' (Don't use 阻碍 for physical objects simply being in the way — use 挡住 instead; 阻碍 implies hindering progress or development)

Origin & History

阻 (to block, to stop) + 碍 (to hinder, obstacle). Both characters relate to obstruction, creating an emphatic compound.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal