阻む

• Reading: はばむ
• Romaji: habamu
• Kanji breakdown: 阻 (haba/so) — obstruct, hinder, block
• Pronunciation: /ha.ba.mɯ/

Meaning

To keep someone from doing something; to prevent; to hinder; to obstruct progress or action.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb. More formal and literary than 止める or 邪魔する. Frequently used in news, sports reporting, and written Japanese to describe obstacles blocking progress or plans.

Examples

1. 大雨が救助活動を阻んでいる。 Heavy rain is hampering the rescue efforts.
2. 相手チームの攻撃を阻むために全力を尽くした。 We gave it everything to stop the opposing team's attacks.
3. 厳しい規制が新規参入を阻んだ。 Strict regulations blocked new market entrants.

Usage Guide

Context: news, sports, politics, business

Tone: serious

Origin & History

The kanji 阻 combines 阝(hill/mound radical) and 且 (moreover), suggesting a mound or barrier that blocks the way.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal