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March 24, 2026
阻碍(阻礙)zǔ’ài(zu3ai4)
阻碍 (zǔ ài) means to obstruct or hinder progress or movement. It is commonly used in both physical contexts, such as blocking a path, and abstract contexts, such as hindering someone's plans or ambitions.
Frequency#5753DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, the concept of 阻碍 is often discussed in the context of personal and professional growth, where individuals may face various societal or systemic barriers to success.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big, strong wall (阻) that stands in the way of a flowing river (碍), symbolizing how obstacles block the flow of progress. The wall is 'blocking' the river, making it easier to remember '阻碍' means to obstruct.
Meanings of 阻碍
zǔ’ài(zu3ai4)
1to obstruct
2to hinder
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 阻碍
阻碍Simplified
阻礙Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5753Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 阻碍
Podcast: 阻碍
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AI Study Notes for 阻碍
Quick Contrast
阻止 (zǔ zhǐ) - use 阻碍 when referring to hindering progress generally, while 阻止 is more about stopping something from happening.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a big, strong wall (阻) that stands in the way of a flowing river (碍), symbolizing how obstacles block the flow of progress. The wall is 'blocking' the river, making it easier to remember '阻碍' means to obstruct.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 阻碍 with similar verbs like 妨碍 (fáng ài), which has a slightly different nuance of interference. It's generally used in a neutral or formal context, so be cautious using it in casual conversations.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 阻碍 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to challenges and obstacles, such as 困难 (kùn nán, difficulty) and 挑战 (tiǎo zhàn, challenge). Focus on using it in complex sentences to express nuanced ideas.
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, the concept of 阻碍 is often discussed in the context of personal and professional growth, where individuals may face various societal or systemic barriers to success.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 阻碍 in casual contexts, where more straightforward words like 拦 (lán, to stop) might be more suitable. For example, saying '我阻碍了他的路' (I obstructed his way) sounds awkward; a better phrase would be '我挡住了他的路' (I blocked his way).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 阻碍
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Grammar Patterns of 阻碍
阻碍 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 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 5
Complete the Sentence
该国的经济困境____了其科研机构的工作进展。
The country's economic plight is strangling its scientific institutions.
Example Sentences for 阻碍 (4)
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1
该国的经济困境阻碍了其科研机构的工作进展。
gāi guó de jīng jì kùn jìng zǔ ài le qí kē yán jī gòu de gōng zuò jìn zhǎn。
The country's economic plight is strangling its scientific institutions.
The civil war is obstructing distribution of famine relief by aid agencies.
3
高利率已经阻碍了经济的增长。
gāo lì shuài yǐ jīng zǔ ài le jīng jì de zēng cháng。
High interest rates have stunted economic growth.
4
深雪阻碍了旅行.
shēn xuě zǔ ài le lǚ háng.
The deep snow impeded travel.
Cultural Notes for 阻碍
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese society, the concept of 阻碍 is often discussed in the context of personal and professional growth, where individuals may face various societal or systemic barriers to success.
Frequently Asked Questions about 阻碍
Yes, 阻碍 can refer to both physical obstructions, like a blocked road, and abstract hindrances, such as emotional or social barriers.
Common phrases include 阻碍发展 (zǔ ài fā zhǎn, to obstruct development) and 阻碍进步 (zǔ ài jìn bù, to hinder progress).
Yes, 阻碍 is appropriate for formal writing and discussions, particularly in academic or professional contexts.
