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March 24, 2026
阻止zǔzhǐ(zu3zhi3)
阻止 (zǔzhǐ) means to prevent or block something from happening. It is commonly used in situations where action is taken to stop an event or process, such as blocking a decision or preventing an accident. The nuance often implies an active effort to halt progress or movement.
Frequency#748DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 阻止 is often linked to collective societal efforts, such as government regulations that aim to prevent negative occurrences like pollution or crime. This reflects a value placed on community welfare.
Memory Tip
Think of 阻 (zǔ) as a 'stop sign' and 止 (zhǐ) as 'to halt'. Together, they form a vivid image of halting movement, like a hand stopping something in its tracks, making it easier to remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 阻止
zǔzhǐ(zu3zhi3)
1to prevent
2to block
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About 阻止
阻止Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#748Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 阻止
Podcast: 阻止
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AI Study Notes for 阻止
Quick Contrast
阻止 (zǔzhǐ) vs 拦阻 (lánzǔ) — use 阻止 for preventing an event or process through active effort, while 拦阻 emphasizes physically blocking or stopping something.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 阻 (zǔ) as a 'stop sign' and 止 (zhǐ) as 'to halt'. Together, they form a vivid image of halting movement, like a hand stopping something in its tracks, making it easier to remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use 阻止 in contexts where you are actively stopping something rather than just allowing it to happen. It is typically used in more formal registers, especially in written language. Common collocations include 阻止发展 (prevent development) and 阻止犯罪 (prevent crime).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 阻止 connects to other verbs and action-related vocabulary you may encounter at this level. Focus on using it in sentences to practice its application in context, such as in discussions about social issues or personal decisions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 阻止 is often linked to collective societal efforts, such as government regulations that aim to prevent negative occurrences like pollution or crime. This reflects a value placed on community welfare.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 阻止 with 允许 (yǔnxǔ), which means 'to allow'. For example, saying '我阻止他去' (I prevent him from going) is correct, while '我允许他去' (I block him from going) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 阻止
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Grammar Patterns of 阻止
阻止 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
These cruel devices are designed to stop prisoners bending their legs.
Cultural Notes for 阻止
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 阻止 is often linked to collective societal efforts, such as government regulations that aim to prevent negative occurrences like pollution or crime. This reflects a value placed on community welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions about 阻止
Yes, it can be used in everyday situations, especially when discussing plans or actions that you want to prevent.
阻止 is generally more formal and is often used in written contexts, such as reports or discussions.
A common synonym is 制止 (zhìzhǐ), which also means to stop or to restrain.
