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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#8733DifficultyHard
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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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)
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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.
The faulty left-hand engine failed catastrophically as the aircraft approached the airport.
9
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.
10
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.
Cultural Notes for 障
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Word Family of 障
Words Containing This Character16
保障bǎozhàngto ensure
障碍zhàng’àibarrier障礙
故障gùzhàngmalfunction
路障roadblock
障zhàngto block
屏障píngzhàngbarrier
障碍物obstacle障礙物
白内障cataract白內障
障眼法smokescreen
智障retarded
残障handicapped殘障
一叶障目fig. not seeing the wider picture一葉障目
孽障evil creature
魔障Mara (the demon of temptation)
障蔽to obstruct
越障to surmount obstacles
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 保障 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 障
Common phrases include '障碍' (zhàng'ài), meaning 'obstacle' or 'barrier', and '障目' (zhàngmù), meaning to obstruct one's vision.
Yes, 障 can refer to physical barriers like walls as well as metaphorical obstacles such as challenges in life.
