Definitions

zhàng (verb) to obstruct; to block; to hinder
zhàng (noun) obstacle; barrier; impediment

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "障" has consistently conveyed the core concept of obstruction or hindrance since its formation. Its traditional structure combines the radical "阝", which denotes a hill or mound, with the phonetic and semantic component "章", which here contributes a sense of a marked division or screen. This composition originally pointed to a tangible, geographical barrier, such as a mountain ridge that blocks the way. Over centuries, its application broadened significantly from these physical impediments to encompass abstract hindrances, metaphorical blockages, and ultimately, specific functional impairments, as seen in modern compound words referring to visual or auditory obstacles. This semantic expansion reflects a logical progression from the concrete to the conceptual, all while maintaining its fundamental essence of something that stands in the way.

Etymology Hide

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

Example Sentences Hide

前面有一个碍。

Qiánmiàn yǒu yī gè zhàng'ài.

There is an obstacle ahead.

法律保我们的权利。

Fǎlǜ bǎozhàng wǒmen de quánlì.

The law protects our rights.

山脉是自然的屏

Shānmài shì zìrán de píngzhàng.

Mountains are natural barriers.

语言碍很难克服。

Yǔyán zhàng'ài hěn nán kèfú.

Language barriers are difficult to overcome.

他用了眼法骗过我们。

Tā yòngle zhàngyǎnfǎ piànguò wǒmen.

He used a deception to trick us.

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碍物。

Kēxuéjiāmen zhèngzài yánjiū rúhé qīngchú zhèxiē zhàng'àiwù.

Scientists are studying how to remove these obstacles.