Definitions

fáng (verb) to hinder; to obstruct
fáng (noun) (in questions or negative statements) harm

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

Composed of the radical "女" for female and the phonetic element "方", the character "妨" originally conveyed notions of harm or obstruction linked to female influence, based on societal perceptions in early Chinese culture. As language evolved, this specific association faded, and the term came to denote general hindrance or interference, applicable to any agent or action that impedes progress. The structural integrity of the character has been maintained throughout its history, with no significant graphical alterations, while its semantic scope expanded to encompass a neutral sense of obstruction divorced from its initial gendered context.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

请不要碍别人工作。

Qǐng bùyào fáng'ài biérén gōngzuò.

Please do not hinder other people's work.

大声喧哗会碍他人。

Dàshēng xuānhuá huì fáng'ài tārén.

Making loud noises will disturb others.

这些规定不碍你的自由。

Zhèxiē guīdìng bù fáng'ài nǐ de zìyóu.

These regulations do not impede your freedom.

路边停车会碍交通。

Lùbiān tíngchē huì fáng'ài jiāotōng.

Parking on the roadside will obstruct traffic.

这样做不说是明智的。

Zhèyàng zuò bùfáng shuō shì míngzhì de.

Doing it this way can,不妨碍说, be said to be wise.

过度保护反而会害孩子的成长。

Guòdù bǎohù fǎn'ér huì fánghài háizi de chéngzhǎng.

Excessive protection can actually impair a child's development.

他并无害公共安全的意图。

Tā bìng wú fánghài gōnggòng ānquán de yìtú.

He has no intention of endangering public safety.

若不碍你的计划,我们不一同前往。

Ruò bù fáng'ài nǐ de jìhuà, wǒmen bùfáng yītóng qiánwǎng.

If it doesn't interfere with your plans, we might as well go together.