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March 24, 2026
障zhàng(zhang4)
The character 障 (zhàng) refers to something that blocks, hinders, or obstructs. It can be used in both physical contexts, such as a barrier, and metaphorical contexts, like obstacles in one's life or progress.
Strokes13Radical阝Frequency#8733DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of 'blocking' or 'obstructing' is significant, as it relates to the flow of 'qi' or energy in the body, emphasizing the importance of balance and the removal of barriers.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large, heavy shield (障) that stands in your way, making it difficult to advance. The character's components suggest a barrier, with the radical '阝' (a hill or mound) indicating something raised or obstructive, and '章' hinting at markings or signs that show the barrier's presence.
Meanings of 障
zhàng(zhang4)
1to block
2to hinder
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 障
障Simplified
13Strokes
阝Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8733Frequency Rank
Podcast: 障
Podcast: 障
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AI Study Notes for 障
Quick Contrast
障碍 (zhàng'ài) vs 阻碍 (zǔ'ài) — use 障碍 for physical barriers and 阻碍 for actions that hinder progress.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; it should always be pronounced with a falling tone (zhàng). This character is often used in formal contexts, like legal or academic discussions about obstacles, but can also appear in everyday conversation about challenges.
HSK Study Tips
Although 障 (zhàng) is not in HSK lists, it connects well with HSK 4-6 vocabulary related to challenges (e.g., 障碍, which means 'obstacle'). Focus on understanding its usage in compound words to enhance your vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 障 (zhàng) with similar-sounding words like 章 (zhāng), which means 'chapter' or 'seal'. Remember that 障 relates to blocking or hindering, while 章 does not.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 障
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Phonosemantic compound. 阝 represents the meaning and 章 represents the sound.
1The meaning half阝 carries the sense.
2The sound half章 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaywall
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 障? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 障?
Decomposition of 障
IDS Structure⿰阝章
障Full Character
=
阝yi4
left
章Zhang1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 障?
How to say to block in Chinese
“to block” in Chinese is障zhàng
The character 障 (zhàng) refers to something that blocks, hinders, or obstructs. It can be used in both physical contexts, such as a barrier, and metaphorical contexts, like obstacles in one's life or progress.
When to use 障
Be cautious with the tone; it should always be pronounced with a falling tone (zhàng). This character is often used in formal contexts, like legal or academic discussions about obstacles, but can also appear in everyday conversation about challenges.
障 or something close to it
障碍 (zhàng'ài) vs 阻碍 (zǔ'ài) — use 障碍 for physical barriers and 阻碍 for actions that hinder progress.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 障 (zhàng) with similar-sounding words like 章 (zhāng), which means 'chapter' or 'seal'. Remember that 障 relates to blocking or hindering, while 章 does not.
Write 障
障
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Practice writing 障 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 障
障 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). 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 4
Complete the Sentence
我意识到我不得不克服语言____碍。
I realized I had to surmount the language barrier.
Example Sentences for 障 (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.
