妨げる

• Reading: さまたげる
• Romaji: samatageru
• Kanji breakdown: 妨 (bō/samata) — to hinder, to obstruct
• Pronunciation: /sa.ma.ta.ɡe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To hinder; to obstruct; to prevent. Used when something blocks or interferes with progress.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb conjugated by dropping る. A somewhat formal verb used to describe obstacles or interference. Related to 妨害 (obstruction/interference). The noun form 妨げ means 'hindrance' or 'obstacle.' Often used in news, legal, and academic contexts.

Examples

1. 工事の騒音が勉強を妨げている。 The noise from construction is interfering with my studies.
2. 交通を妨げる行為は禁止されている。 Acts that obstruct traffic are prohibited.
3. 雨が計画の進行を妨げた。 The rain hindered the progress of the plan.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, academic, news

Tone: serious

Origin & History

The kanji 妨 combines 女 (woman) and 方 (direction/person), though the original meaning relates to obstruction and interference rather than gender.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal