HSK 7, unknown, 24 strokes, rank #10084, Very Hard
dǔsè(du3se4) T3
1to block
2to stop
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March 24, 2026
堵塞dǔsè(du3se4)
堵塞 (dǔsè) means to block or obstruct something, often referring to physical blockages like traffic jams or clogged pipes. It can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where progress is hindered or stopped.
Strokes24Frequency#10084DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese cities, traffic congestion is a significant issue, and '堵塞' is commonly used in news reports and daily conversations. This reflects the rapid urbanization and the challenges that come with it, highlighting the importance of effective city planning.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big '堵' (dǔ) wall blocking your path and the '塞' (sè) of the pathway is completely filled with obstacles. Visualize a traffic jam where cars are 'blocked' and cannot move, helping you remember both the meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 堵塞
dǔsè(du3se4)
1to block
2to stop
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 堵塞
堵塞Simplified
24Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#10084Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 堵塞
Podcast: 堵塞
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AI Study Notes for 堵塞
Quick Contrast
阻塞 (zǔsè) - use 堵塞 (dǔsè) when referring specifically to physical blockages, while 阻塞 (zǔsè) can also apply to abstract hindrances.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; '堵塞' has a falling tone on the first syllable and a falling tone on the second. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about traffic or plumbing. Common collocations include '交通堵塞' (traffic blockage) and '血管堵塞' (vascular blockage).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, '堵塞' connects with words related to transportation and health. Students should focus on its usage in complex sentences and how it contrasts with synonyms such as '阻塞' (zǔsè), which also means to block but carries a slightly different nuance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '堵塞' with '阻塞', using them interchangeably. Remember that '堵塞' is more commonly used for tangible blockages. For example, saying '这个管道阻塞' (This pipe is blocked) should be corrected to '这个管道堵塞'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 堵塞
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堵塞 (dǔsè) means to block or obstruct something, often referring to physical blockages like traffic jams or clogged pipes. It can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where progress is hindered or stopped.
When to use 堵塞
Be cautious with the tone; '堵塞' has a falling tone on the first syllable and a falling tone on the second. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about traffic or plumbing. Common collocations include '交通堵塞' (traffic blockage) and '血管堵塞' (vascular blockage).
堵塞 or something close to it
阻塞 (zǔsè) - use 堵塞 (dǔsè) when referring specifically to physical blockages, while 阻塞 (zǔsè) can also apply to abstract hindrances.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '堵塞' with '阻塞', using them interchangeably. Remember that '堵塞' is more commonly used for tangible blockages. For example, saying '这个管道阻塞' (This pipe is blocked) should be corrected to '这个管道堵塞'.
Write 堵塞
堵
塞
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Grammar Patterns of 堵塞
堵塞 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.
