Definitions

(verb) to hinder; to block; to obstruct

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "阻" signifies obstruction or hindrance and is structurally composed of the radical "阝" on the left, which denotes terrain or elevation, and the component "且" on the right, serving a phonetic role while conveying a sense of accumulation or piling. This formation reflects an original association with physical barriers such as hills or embankments that impede movement. In historical contexts, "阻" was used to describe literal physical impediments, and its meaning later extended to include metaphorical or abstract obstacles without losing its core sense of blockage. The character's form has remained consistent, with "阝" and "且" continuing to constitute its modern representation.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

交通受了。

Jiāotōng shòu zǔ le.

Traffic was hindered.

困难碍了进步。

Kùnnan zǔ'ài le jìnbù.

Difficulties hinder progress.

不要止我学习。

Bùyào zǔzhǐ wǒ xuéxí.

Don't stop me from studying.

他们试图止战争。

Tāmen shìtú zǔzhǐ zhànzhēng.

They tried to prevent war.

这种材料能燃。

Zhè zhǒng cáiliào néng zǔrán.

This material is flame-retardant.

力来自各个方面。

Zǔlì láizì gè gè fāngmiàn.

Resistance comes from all aspects.

这场雨碍了交通。

Zhè chǎng yǔ zǔ'ài le jiāotōng.

This rain hindered traffic.

政府采取措施止疫情扩散。

Zhèngfǔ cǎiqǔ cuòshī zǔzhǐ yìqíng kuòsàn.

The government takes measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic.