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March 24, 2026
阻zǔ(zu3)
The character 阻 (zǔ) means to hinder or block something, whether it's a physical object or an abstract concept like progress or action. It is commonly used in contexts where an obstacle or opposition is present, such as in discussions about traffic, barriers, or interpersonal conflicts.
Strokes7Radical阝Frequency#13167DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 阻 often relates to the idea of 'face' (面子), where social interactions can be obstructed by loss of face or disagreements, making it a significant term in both personal and business contexts.
Memory Tip
Visualize a giant 'Z' (for 阻) standing in front of a path, blocking the way. The two horizontal lines represent obstacles, while the vertical line is the 'blocker'. This imagery connects the character's form with its meaning of obstruction.
Meanings of 阻
zǔ(zu3)
1to hinder
2to block
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 阻
阻Simplified
7Strokes
阝Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#13167Frequency Rank
Podcast: 阻
Podcast: 阻
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AI Study Notes for 阻
Quick Contrast
阻 (hinder) vs 拦 (intercept) — use 阻 when emphasizing the act of hindering progress or action, while 拦 focuses more on stopping or blocking movement.
Memory Mnemonic
Visualize a giant 'Z' (for 阻) standing in front of a path, blocking the way. The two horizontal lines represent obstacles, while the vertical line is the 'blocker'. This imagery connects the character's form with its meaning of obstruction.
Usage Notes
When using 阻, it’s important to distinguish between physical and metaphorical hindrance. A common mistake is to confuse 阻 with other similar verbs like 拒 (jù - to refuse). Remember that 阻 implies an ongoing obstruction rather than a one-time refusal.
HSK Study Tips
While 阻 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, understanding it can help learners better grasp complex sentences involving obstacles and challenges. Focus on its collocation with other words related to conflict and resistance, such as 阻碍 (zǔ'ài - to hinder).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 阻 often relates to the idea of 'face' (面子), where social interactions can be obstructed by loss of face or disagreements, making it a significant term in both personal and business contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 阻 in contexts where more neutral verbs like 让 (ràng - to let) would be appropriate. For example, saying 阻我去 (zǔ wǒ qù - block me from going) is incorrect; instead, use 阻止我去 (zǔzhǐ wǒ qù - prevent me from going).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 阻
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Grammar Patterns of 阻
阻 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.
The civil war is obstructing distribution of famine relief by aid agencies.
10
从那以后他照常出现在办公室，风雨无阻。
cóng nà yǐ hòu tā zhào cháng chū xiàn zài bàn gōng shì， ， fēng yǔ wú。
He continued to appear in the office with unfailing regularity thereafter.
Cultural Notes for 阻
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 阻 often relates to the idea of 'face' (面子), where social interactions can be obstructed by loss of face or disagreements, making it a significant term in both personal and business contexts.
Word Family of 阻
Compounds1
唨
Words Containing This Character20
阻止zǔzhǐto prevent
阻碍zǔ’àito obstruct阻礙
阻力zǔlìdrag
阻挡zǔdǎngto stop阻擋
阻zǔto hinder
阻断to block阻斷
阻挠zǔnáoto thwart阻撓
阻塞to block
受阻blocked
阻拦zǔlánto stop阻攔
阻滞to clog up阻滯
劝阻quànzǔto dissuade勸阻
阻击to check阻擊
电阻(electrical) resistance電阻
梗阻to hamper
阻隔to separate
阻抗(electrical) impedance
阻截to stop
阻尼damping
风雨无阻rain, hail or shine風雨無阻
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 阻止 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 阻
Yes, 阻 (zǔ) can be used in both formal and informal contexts in Chinese. It is a versatile verb that fits into various situations, whether in writing, conversation, or official documents.
Some synonyms for 阻 (zǔ) include 拦 (lán), which means to block or intercept, and 妨碍 (fáng'ài), which means to hinder or obstruct. These words can be used interchangeably depending on the context.
You can use 阻 (zǔ) in a sentence to describe an action that prevents or hinders something. For instance, you might say '这条路被阻塞了' (zhè tiáo lù bèi zǔsè le), which means 'This road is blocked.' It's used commonly in both written and spoken Chinese.
阻 (zǔ) means to hinder, block, or obstruct something. It is often used in contexts where there is an interruption or prevention of progress. For example, 阻止 (zǔzhǐ) means to stop or prevent something from happening.
Yes, 阻 typically conveys a negative connotation, indicating interference or interruption.
Absolutely! 阻 can refer to emotional or social barriers, not just physical ones.
Common phrases include 阻碍 (zǔ'ài - to hinder) and 阻止 (zǔzhǐ - to prevent).
