碍事

• Pinyin: ài shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 碍 = 石 (stone) + 疑 (doubt, phonetic); 事 = affair

Meaning

To be in the way; to hinder; to obstruct.

Describes something or someone that gets in the way or causes inconvenience. Can be used for physical obstruction or interference with activities. Often used colloquially.

Examples

1. 这个伤不碍事，休息几天就好了。 This injury is nothing serious — it'll be fine after a few days of rest.
2. 把箱子挪开，放在门口太碍事了。 Move the box away — it's too much in the way at the door.
3. 小孩子在厨房里跑来跑去，太碍事了。 The kids running around in the kitchen are really getting in the way.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, conversation

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 这点小伤不碍事。(This little injury is nothing to worry about.)
• 别在这儿站着，碍事。(Don't stand here — you're in the way.)

Don't Say

• 在正式场合说'你太碍事了' (Don't say 'you're in the way' directly in formal settings — it sounds rude)

Origin & History

碍 (obstruct) + 事 (matter/affair). Together: to obstruct matters or get in the way.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal