Meaning of 障碍
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- barrier
- obstruction
- hindrance
- impediment
- obstacle
How to use 障碍
障碍 is most often a noun meaning an obstacle or barrier, both physical and abstract. It appears in set phrases like 语言障碍 (language barrier), 心理障碍 (psychological block), and 克服障碍 (overcome obstacles). Example: 我们克服了很多障碍。(Wǒmen kèfú le hěn duō zhàng'ài.) We overcame many obstacles.
障 (zhàng) has the 阝 side, often linked to hills and walls, so picture a wall blocking you. 碍 (ài) has 石 (shí, stone), so imagine a rock in your path. A wall plus a rock gives you an obstacle.
Common mistake: Learners often use 障碍 as a verb where 阻碍 (zǔ'ài) or 妨碍 (fáng'ài) sounds more natural. Say 妨碍别人 (to get in others' way), not 障碍别人. Also do not mix up 障 with 章 (zhāng, chapter), which lacks the 阝 side.
障碍 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
障 zhàng · to separate · 13 strokes
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碍 ài · to block · 13 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 障碍.
| 阻碍 | zǔ'ài | to obstruct; to hinder |
| 故障 | gùzhàng | malfunction; breakdown |
| 妨碍 | fáng'ài | to hinder; to obstruct |
| 保障 | bǎozhàng | to ensure; to guarantee |
| 碍事 | àishì | to be in the way; to be a hindrance; (usu. in the negative) to be of consequence; to matte |
| 路障 | lùzhàng | roadblock; barricade |
| 智障 | zhìzhàng | learning difficulties (handicap); retarded |
| 大碍 | dà'ài | (usually used in the negative) major issue; serious problem |
| 屏障 | píngzhàng | barrier |
| 残障 | cánzhàng | handicapped |
| 障碍物 | zhàng'àiwù | obstacle; hindrance |
| 碍手碍脚 | àishǒu'àijiǎo | (idiom) to be in the way; to be a hindrance |
Questions about 障碍
What does 障碍 mean?
障碍 (zhàng'ài) means "barrier; obstruction" and is used as a noun and verb.
How do you write 障碍?
障碍 is made of 2 characters: 障 (13 strokes), 碍 (13 strokes). That is 26 strokes in total.
Is 障碍 an HSK word?
Yes. 障碍 is on the HSK 6 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 障碍 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 障碍 is written 障礙.
What is the difference between 障碍 and 困难?
困难 (kùnnan) is a general difficulty or hardship. 障碍 suggests something specific standing in the way that blocks progress. For example, money problems are 困难, while a law that stops your plan is a 障碍.
How do you say disability or disorder with 障碍?
Chinese uses 障碍 in medical and social terms. 学习障碍 (xuéxí zhàng'ài) is a learning disability, 睡眠障碍 (shuìmián zhàng'ài) is a sleep disorder, and 无障碍 (wú zhàng'ài) means barrier-free or accessible, as in 无障碍通道 (accessible passage).