damage, harm; to impede, to obstruct; to undermine
zg, 7 strokes, radical 女, rank #41544, Very Hard
fáng(fang2) T2
1to hinder
2(in the negative or interrogative) (no) harm
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March 24, 2026
妨fáng(fang2)
The character 妨 (fáng) means to hinder or obstruct something, often implying that an action or situation causes harm or damage. It is frequently used in both negative and interrogative contexts to question whether there is any harm in a specific action, emphasizing the nuance of potential negative consequences.
Strokes7Radical女Frequency#41544DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of hindrance is closely tied to the idea of harmony and balance. Actions that cause 妨 can disrupt relationships and social harmony, which is highly valued in traditional Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'fang' (like a tooth) that is blocking the flow of water in a river, creating an obstruction. The tooth (fang) represents harm and blockage, helping you remember that 妨 (fáng) relates to hindering or causing damage.
Meanings of 妨
fáng(fang2)
1to hinder
2(in the negative or interrogative) (no) harm
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 妨
妨Simplified
7Strokes
女Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#41544Frequency Rank
Podcast: 妨
Podcast: 妨
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AI Study Notes for 妨
Quick Contrast
妨 (fáng) vs 阻 (zǔ) — use 妨 when implying potential harm or damage, while 阻 focuses more on the act of stopping or preventing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'fang' (like a tooth) that is blocking the flow of water in a river, creating an obstruction. The tooth (fang) represents harm and blockage, helping you remember that 妨 (fáng) relates to hindering or causing damage.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 妨 with similar-sounding words like 防 (fáng), which means to defend or protect. 妨 is generally used in more formal contexts, so be cautious about its use in casual conversation. Common collocations include 妨碍 (fáng'ài) meaning 'to obstruct' and 妨害 (fánghài) meaning 'to harm.'
HSK Study Tips
Although 妨 is not part of the HSK curriculum, it connects to higher-level vocabulary about obstacles and consequences. Focus on its usage in phrases and its role in expressing harm or obstruction to gain a deeper understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of hindrance is closely tied to the idea of harmony and balance. Actions that cause 妨 can disrupt relationships and social harmony, which is highly valued in traditional Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 妨 with 防 (fáng), leading to incorrect meanings related to protection instead of hindrance. For example, saying 妨止 (fángzhǐ) instead of 防止 (fángzhǐ) which means 'to prevent.' Always remember 妨 relates to hindrance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 妨
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Grammar Patterns of 妨
妨 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
She'll probably disagree, though it's worth trying.
7
不妨一试.
bù fáng yī shì.
There is no harm in trying it.
8
你无妨再试一下.
nǐ wú fáng zài shì yī xià.
You might well try again.
9
你何妨试一试.
nǐ hé fáng shì yī shì.
You might as well have a try.
10
这里不妨一提, 我先生三十五岁, 人蛮帅,在他那一行做得也不错.
zhè lǐ bù fáng yī tí, , wǒ xiān shēng sān shí wǔ, suì , rén, mán shuài , zài tā nà yī háng zuò dé.
Incidentally, my husband is 35, attractive and does well in his chosen profession.
Cultural Notes for 妨
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of hindrance is closely tied to the idea of harmony and balance. Actions that cause 妨 can disrupt relationships and social harmony, which is highly valued in traditional Chinese society.
Word Family of 妨
Words Containing This Character6
妨碍fáng’àito hinder妨礙
不妨bùfángmight as well
无妨no harm (in doing it)無妨
何妨what harm is there in (doing sth)
妨害fánghàito impair
妨fángto hinder
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 妨碍 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 妨
Common phrases include 妨碍 (fáng'ài) which means 'to obstruct' and 妨害 (fánghài) meaning 'to harm.'
It is primarily used in formal contexts, particularly in written language or discussions about policies and laws.
You can associate 妨 (fáng) with 'fang' to help you recall both the sound and the idea of hindrance.
