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碍事 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
碍事àishì(usu used in the negative) to be of importance or to matterHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #11372, Very Hard
碍事àishìto be in the wayHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #11372, Very Hard
碍事àishìto be a hindranceHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #11372, Very Hard
àishì(ai4shi4)ai shi T4
  1. 1(usu used in the negative) to be of importance or to matter
  2. 2to be in the way
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March 24, 2026

碍事(礙事)àishì(ai4shi4)

The term 碍事 (ài shì) refers to something that is obstructive or a hindrance, often used in negative constructions. It conveys the idea that something is in the way or is causing trouble; for example, one might say that a situation or person is '碍事' to express that they are problematic or inconvenient.

Strokes21Frequency#11372DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, harmony and the avoidance of conflict are highly valued, so the term 碍事 often reflects a desire to maintain smooth relationships by pointing out hindrances that disrupt this harmony.

Memory tip

Imagine a large rock (石, shí) blocking your path, making it difficult to move forward. The '碍' (ài) part relates to 'to hinder' and the whole term sounds like 'I see' the rock in my way, making it a memorable visual for 'being in the way'.

Meanings of 碍事

àishì(ai4shi4)
1(usu used in the negative) to be of importance or to matter
2to be in the way
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About 碍事

碍事Simplified
礙事Traditional
21Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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Podcast: 碍事

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AI study notes for 碍事

Quick Contrast

碍事 (ài shì) vs 麻烦 (máfan) — use 碍事 when referring specifically to something obstructive or in the way, while 麻烦 is broader, referring to anything troublesome or inconvenient.

Usage Notes

When using 碍事, it typically appears in negative contexts, such as when you want to express that something is problematic. Be cautious with tone, as mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning entirely, leading to confusion.

HSK Study Tips

Although 碍事 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary lists, it is useful for learners at HSK 4-5 who are expanding their vocabulary related to daily interactions and problem-solving. Focus on understanding its usage in context, especially in conversational phrases.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 碍事 with similar phrases, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '这件事碍事' (This matter is a hindrance) without context may sound abrupt; providing context improves clarity, such as '我觉得这件事有点碍事' (I think this matter is a bit of a hindrance).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 碍事

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Component characters

碍àito hinder
13 strokes石
View full entry
事shìmatter
HSK 18 strokes亅
View full entry

How to say (usu used in the negative) to be of importance or to matter in Chinese

“(usu used in the negative) to be of importance or to matter” in Chinese is碍事àishì

The term 碍事 (ài shì) refers to something that is obstructive or a hindrance, often used in negative constructions. It conveys the idea that something is in the way or is causing trouble; for example, one might say that a situation or person is '碍事' to express that they are problematic or inconvenient.

When to use 碍事

When using 碍事, it typically appears in negative contexts, such as when you want to express that something is problematic. Be cautious with tone, as mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning entirely, leading to confusion.

碍事 or something close to it

碍事 (ài shì) vs 麻烦 (máfan) — use 碍事 when referring specifically to something obstructive or in the way, while 麻烦 is broader, referring to anything troublesome or inconvenient.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 碍事 with similar phrases, leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '这件事碍事' (This matter is a hindrance) without context may sound abrupt; providing context improves clarity, such as '我觉得这件事有点碍事' (I think this matter is a bit of a hindrance).

Write 碍事

碍
事

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Frequently asked questions about 碍事

No, 碍事 is primarily used in negative contexts to indicate something that hinders or obstructs.

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