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March 24, 2026
碍(礙)ài(ai4)
The character 碍 (ài) means to hinder, obstruct, or block something. It is often used in contexts where an obstacle prevents progress or action, such as in discussions about physical barriers or metaphorical hindrances in life or work.
Strokes13Radical石Frequency#7161DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of obstacles is often linked to traditional beliefs about fate and personal perseverance. The idea of overcoming hindrances is prevalent in stories and proverbs, reflecting a cultural emphasis on resilience.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large rock (the radical 石, meaning stone) blocking a road. The sound 'ài' can remind you of 'I' being blocked by this rock. Picture yourself trying to get past the obstacle, emphasizing the idea of being hindered.
Meanings of 碍
ài(ai4)
1to hinder
2to obstruct
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 碍
碍Simplified
礙Traditional
13Strokes
石Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#7161Frequency Rank
Podcast: 碍
Podcast: 碍
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AI Study Notes for 碍
Quick Contrast
阻 (zǔ) - use 碍 (ài) when referring specifically to physical or metaphorical obstruction, while 阻 (zǔ) generally implies stopping or preventing action.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large rock (the radical 石, meaning stone) blocking a road. The sound 'ài' can remind you of 'I' being blocked by this rock. Picture yourself trying to get past the obstacle, emphasizing the idea of being hindered.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 碍 with similar words like 阻碍 (zǔ ài) which also means to obstruct but has a different nuance. This character is more informal and is often used in everyday conversation rather than formal writing.
HSK Study Tips
Although 碍 is not in the official HSK levels, it is still useful for learners around HSK 4-5, as it relates to words like 阻挡 (zǔ dǎng, to obstruct) and 障碍 (zhàng ài, obstacle). Focus on recognizing its context in sentences regarding challenges and obstacles.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of obstacles is often linked to traditional beliefs about fate and personal perseverance. The idea of overcoming hindrances is prevalent in stories and proverbs, reflecting a cultural emphasis on resilience.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 碍 with the character 阻 (zǔ), which also means to block but is used in different contexts. For example, saying '这件事情碍了我' (zhè jiàn shìqíng ài le wǒ) is incorrect; it should be '这件事情阻碍了我' (zhè jiàn shìqíng zǔ ài le wǒ).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 碍
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Grammar Patterns of 碍
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 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.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
我意识到我不得不克服语言障____。
I realized I had to surmount the language barrier.
Common Confusions with 碍
碍vs爱
ài
Same pronunciation but different meaning.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to hinder"?
or
Example Sentences for 碍 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
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
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.
3
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.
4
他被控谋划妨碍司法公正。
tā bèi kòng móu huá fáng ài sī fǎ gōng zhèng。
He was charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice.
5
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.
6
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.
The civil war is obstructing distribution of famine relief by aid agencies.
10
物质和意识形态上的障碍在东欧已不复存在。
wù zhì hé yì shí xíng tài shàng de zhàng ài zài dōng ōu yǐ bù fù cún zài。
Physical and ideological barriers had come down in Eastern Europe.
Cultural Notes for 碍
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of obstacles is often linked to traditional beliefs about fate and personal perseverance. The idea of overcoming hindrances is prevalent in stories and proverbs, reflecting a cultural emphasis on resilience.
Word Family of 碍
Words Containing This Character14
障碍zhàng’àibarrier障礙
妨碍fáng’àito hinder妨礙
阻碍zǔ’àito obstruct阻礙
碍àito hinder礙
碍事àishìto be in the way礙事
障碍物obstacle障礙物
无碍unimpeded無礙
碍眼to be an irksome presence (i.e. sth or sb one wishes were not there)礙眼
挂碍worry掛礙
碍手碍脚to be in the way礙手礙腳
违碍taboo違礙
碍口tongue-tied礙口
碍难从命difficult to obey orders (idiom); much to my embarrassment, I am unable to comply礙難從命
碍面子(not do sth) for fear of offending sb礙面子
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 障碍 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 碍
You might say '这块石头碍事' (zhè kuài shítou ài shì), meaning 'This rock is a hindrance.'
Yes, similar words include 阻碍 (zǔ ài) which means to obstruct but is used in more formal contexts.
Absolutely! It can describe emotional or situational hindrances, such as '他的懒惰碍了他的成功' (tā de lǎnduò ài le tā de chénggōng), meaning 'His laziness hindered his success.'
