() - to stop up & to block

Tone 3

dǔ | 11 strokes | radical:

·

to stop up;

to block;

to obstruct;

to feel stifled or oppressed;

a measure word for walls;

a surname.

to stop upto blockto obstruct

Usage highlights

traffic jamto block a gapto feel stifledto block the doorto block and attacka measure word for walls

Synonyms

  • to block; to stop up
  • to hinder; to obstruct
  • to block; to shield

Antonyms

  • to open; to clear; to connect
  • smooth; unimpeded
  • to dredge; to clear

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The traffic was blocked (堵车).
  • He felt stifled and uncomfortable (心里堵得慌).
  • They built a wall to block the entrance (砌了一堵墙).
  • The surname Du is not very common (姓堵).

Collocations

  • traffic jam(堵车)
  • to block a gap(堵缺口)
  • to feel stifled(堵心)
  • to block the door(堵门)
  • to block and attack(堵截)
  • a measure word for walls(一堵墙)

Idioms

  • Blocking and intercepting on all sides(围追堵截)
  • Blocked on all sides without escape(堵缝无隙)
  • Blocked ears and covered eyes(堵耳蔽目)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 堵 originally referred to earthen walls, hence its use as a measure word for walls.
  • As a surname, 堵 is relatively rare but has historical origins from the Spring and Autumn period.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, feeling 'blocked' or 'stifled' (堵) can refer to both physical and emotional stagnation.

FAQ