塞がる

• Reading: ふさがる
• Romaji: fusagaru
• Kanji breakdown: 塞 (soku/fusa) — block, close, stop up
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.sa.ɡa.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be blocked; to be occupied; to be in use; to be closed off.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb, the natural counterpart of transitive 塞ぐ (fusagu, to block/close). Used when roads are blocked, seats are taken, phone lines are busy, or the mind is preoccupied. The state meaning ('already filled') is as common as the process meaning ('becoming blocked'), so context determines interpretation.

Examples

1. 事故で道路が塞がっているため、迂回路を使ってください。 The road is blocked due to an accident, so please use the detour.
2. 電話回線が塞がっていて、なかなか繋がらなかった。 The phone lines were all busy and it was hard to get through.
3. 悲しみで胸が塞がり、言葉が出てこなかった。 Her chest was so heavy with grief that the words wouldn't come.

Usage Guide

Context: traffic, communications, emotions, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Intransitive form derived from 塞ぐ (fusagu, to block). The kanji 塞 depicts a blocked passage, originally referring to a mountain fortress or fortified barrier, extending naturally to anything that obstructs or fills a space.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal