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March 24, 2026
障碍(障礙)zhàng’ài(zhang4ai4)
障碍 (zhàng'ài) refers to a barrier or obstruction that hinders progress or movement. It can be used in both physical contexts, such as a roadblock, and abstract contexts, like emotional or social obstacles. The term conveys a sense of something that prevents success or ease.
Frequency#2960DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, overcoming 障碍 is often seen as a virtue, reflecting resilience and determination, especially in the context of personal growth and success in education or business.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall wall (障) that blocks your path, and you must find a way around it. The '张' in the character suggests stretching out, as if trying to reach over the barrier, while '碍' sounds like 'eye,' reminding you that obstacles can blind you to possibilities.
Meanings of 障碍
zhàng’ài(zhang4ai4)
1barrier
2obstruction
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 障碍
障碍Simplified
障礙Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#2960Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 障碍
Podcast: 障碍
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AI Study Notes for 障碍
Quick Contrast
障碍 (zhàng'ài) vs 妨碍 (fáng'ài) — use 障碍 for physical or abstract barriers, while 妨碍 focuses on interference or hindrance.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tall wall (障) that blocks your path, and you must find a way around it. The '张' in the character suggests stretching out, as if trying to reach over the barrier, while '碍' sounds like 'eye,' reminding you that obstacles can blind you to possibilities.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 障碍 with similar words like 伤害 (shānghài), which means 'harm.' This term can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more commonly found in discussions about challenges in life or projects. Remember that 障碍 is a noun, so it may often pair with verbs like '克服' (kèfú - to overcome).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 障碍 connects with other advanced vocabulary about challenges and difficulties. Students should focus on using it in various contexts, such as personal experiences or social issues, to reinforce their understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, overcoming 障碍 is often seen as a virtue, reflecting resilience and determination, especially in the context of personal growth and success in education or business.
Common Mistakes
Learners might mistakenly use 障碍 in contexts where '问题' (wèntí - problem) would be more appropriate, such as saying '这是一个障碍' when referring to a simple issue. The correct term for a simple problem would be '问题' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 障碍
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Grammar Patterns of 障碍
障碍 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我意识到我不得不克服语言____。
I realized I had to surmount the language barrier.
Example Sentences for 障碍 (10)
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1
我意识到我不得不克服语言障碍。
wǒ yì shí dào wǒ bù dé bù kè fú yǔ yán zhàng ài。
I realized I had to surmount the language barrier.
2
这一切为乐购的进一步发展扫清了障碍。
zhè yī qiē wéi lè gòu de jìn yī bù fā zhǎn sǎo qīng le zhàng ài。
It all leaves the way clear for Tesco to power ahead.
3
许多人都患有能够辨识的酗酒、吸毒或心理障碍。
xǔ duō rén dū huàn yǒu néng gòu biàn shí de xù jiǔ、 、 xī dú huò xīn lǐ zhàng。
Many suffered from a definable alcohol, drug, or mental disorder.
4
人质的获释可能会为发动战争扫清障碍。
rén zhì de huò shì kě néng huì wéi fā dòng zhàn zhēng sǎo qīng zhàng ài。
The hostage release could clear the decks for war.
I loved horses as a child and was a junior show jumper.
10
高利率已经成为经济复苏的障碍。
gāo lì shuài yǐ jīng chéng wéi jīng jì fù sū de zhàng ài。
The higher rates have been a hind-rance to economic recovery.
Cultural Notes for 障碍
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, overcoming 障碍 is often seen as a virtue, reflecting resilience and determination, especially in the context of personal growth and success in education or business.
Frequently Asked Questions about 障碍
You can say '我们需要克服这些障碍' (We need to overcome these obstacles).
No, it can also refer to emotional or social obstacles.
Some synonyms include 阻碍 (zǔ'ài) and 妨碍 (fáng'ài), which also mean 'hindrance'.
