阻害

• Reading: そがい
• Romaji: sogai
• Kanji breakdown: 阻 (so) — obstruct, block; 害 (gai) — harm, damage
• Pronunciation: /so.ɡa.i/

Meaning

Obstruction; hindrance; inhibition. The act of blocking or impeding a process or function.

A suru-verb and noun used in formal, scientific, and policy contexts. It implies active interference that prevents normal functioning: 発展を阻害する (to obstruct development), 酵素阻害 (enzyme inhibition). Carries a stronger, more deliberate sense of interference than simply 妨げる, and is commonly used in biology, economics, and law.

Examples

1. 規制が過剰になると、かえってイノベーションを阻害する恐れがある。 If regulations become excessive, there is a risk that they will instead obstruct innovation.
2. 特定の薬物はウイルスの増殖を阻害する働きがあることが分かった。 It was found that certain drugs have the effect of inhibiting the proliferation of viruses.
3. 誤った情報の拡散が社会的な信頼形成を阻害している。 The spread of misinformation is hindering the formation of social trust.

Usage Guide

Context: policy, biology, economics, social issues

Tone: critical

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 阻 (so) means to obstruct or block, 害 (gai) means harm or damage. Together: 'obstructing by causing harm.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Universal