障

zhàng

章 + 阝

Definitions

zhàng (verb) to obstruct; to block; to hinder

zhàng (noun) obstacle; barrier; impediment

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 阝 represents the meaning and 章 represents the sound.

Semantic: 阝 Phonetic: 章

About

障 (zhàng) is a phonosemantic compound combining the left-side radical 阝 (fù, 'mound') as the meaning element and the phonetic 章 (zhāng, originally 'chapter' or 'mark'). The mound radical often appears in characters for hills, walls, and embankments, pointing to a physical barrier. The character originally denoted a barricade, dam, or defensive wall that blocks movement or water. Over time, its sense extended to abstract obstacles: mental blocks, bureaucratic hurdles, and physical disabilities.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

前面有一个障碍。

Qiánmiàn yǒu yī gè zhàng'ài.

There is an obstacle ahead.

法律保障我们的权利。

Fǎlǜ bǎozhàng wǒmen de quánlì.

The law protects our rights.

山脉是自然的屏障。

Shānmài shì zìrán de píngzhàng.

Mountains are natural barriers.

语言障碍很难克服。

Yǔyán zhàng'ài hěn nán kèfú.

Language barriers are difficult to overcome.

他用了障眼法骗过我们。

Tā yòngle zhàngyǎnfǎ piànguò wǒmen.

He used a deception to trick us.

障碍赛跑需要很多技巧。

Zhàng'ài sàipǎo xūyào hěnduō jìqiǎo.

Obstacle racing requires a lot of skill.

社会保障体系不断完善。

Shèhuì bǎozhàng tǐxì bùduàn wánshàn.

The social security system is continuously improving.

科学家们正在研究如何清除这些障碍物。

Kēxuéjiāmen zhèngzài yánjiū rúhé qīngchú zhèxiē zhàng'àiwù.

Scientists are studying how to remove these obstacles.

Related Characters

Component: 章

Component: 阝

障