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March 24, 2026
堵塞dǔsè(du3se4)
堵塞 (dǔsè) means to block or obstruct something, often referring to physical blockages like traffic jams or clogged pipes. It can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where progress is hindered or stopped.
Frequency#10084DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cities, traffic congestion is a significant issue, and '堵塞' is commonly used in news reports and daily conversations. This reflects the rapid urbanization and the challenges that come with it, highlighting the importance of effective city planning.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big '堵' (dǔ) wall blocking your path and the '塞' (sè) of the pathway is completely filled with obstacles. Visualize a traffic jam where cars are 'blocked' and cannot move, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 堵塞
dǔsè(du3se4)
1to block
2to stop
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About 堵塞
堵塞Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#10084Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 堵塞
Podcast: 堵塞
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AI Study Notes for 堵塞
Quick Contrast
阻塞 (zǔsè) - use 堵塞 (dǔsè) when referring specifically to physical blockages, while 阻塞 (zǔsè) can also apply to abstract hindrances.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a big '堵' (dǔ) wall blocking your path and the '塞' (sè) of the pathway is completely filled with obstacles. Visualize a traffic jam where cars are 'blocked' and cannot move, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; '堵塞' has a falling tone on the first syllable and a falling tone on the second. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about traffic or plumbing. Common collocations include '交通堵塞' (traffic blockage) and '血管堵塞' (vascular blockage).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, '堵塞' connects with words related to transportation and health. Students should focus on its usage in complex sentences and how it contrasts with synonyms such as '阻塞' (zǔsè), which also means to block but carries a slightly different nuance.
Cultural Note
In Chinese cities, traffic congestion is a significant issue, and '堵塞' is commonly used in news reports and daily conversations. This reflects the rapid urbanization and the challenges that come with it, highlighting the importance of effective city planning.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '堵塞' with '阻塞', using them interchangeably. Remember that '堵塞' is more commonly used for tangible blockages. For example, saying '这个管道阻塞' (This pipe is blocked) should be corrected to '这个管道堵塞'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 堵塞
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Grammar Patterns of 堵塞
堵塞 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 4 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.
This section of the road is so norrow that there are bound to be traffic jams now and then.
6
这种过程的主要问题是滤膜的堵塞.
zhè zhǒng guò chéng de zhǔ yào wèn tí shì lǜ mó de dǔ sāi.
This process suffers mainly from clogging the membrane.
Cultural Notes for 堵塞
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese cities, traffic congestion is a significant issue, and '堵塞' is commonly used in news reports and daily conversations. This reflects the rapid urbanization and the challenges that come with it, highlighting the importance of effective city planning.
Frequently Asked Questions about 堵塞
'堵塞' is primarily used for physical blockages, but it can be metaphorically applied to emotions in a more poetic or literary context.
'堵塞' typically refers to more direct or physical blockages, while '阻塞' can imply a broader sense of obstruction.
You can say '这个地方经常交通堵塞' (This place often has traffic blockages) to illustrate its application.
