塞 (sāi) - To block, stop up, plug & a fortress, strategic pass

塞Tone 1

sāi ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

儒三

塞 · sāi

To block, stop up, plug;

a fortress, strategic pass;

used in words for 'stuff' or 'cram'.

To block, stop up, pluga fortress, strategic passused in words for 'stuff' or 'cram'.

Usage highlights

BlockageStuff intoPlugFrontier fortressStrategic passStuffing

Synonyms

  • 堵— to block up
  • 阻— to obstruct
  • 填— to fill

Antonyms

  • 通— to open, clear, through
  • 疏— to dredge, clear

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The drain is clogged (堵塞).
  • He stuffed clothes into the suitcase (塞进).
  • This is a border fortress (边塞).
  • Traffic was congested during rush hour (交通堵塞).

Collocations

  • Blockage(堵塞)
  • Stuff into(塞进)
  • Plug(塞住)
  • Frontier fortress(塞外)
  • Strategic pass(要塞)
  • Stuffing(填充物)

Idioms

  • Plug one's ears while stealing a bell(塞耳盗铃)
  • Filling the gaps(填塞空隙)
  • Blocking all avenues of escape(塞井夷灶)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically associated with frontier fortresses along the Great Wall, guarding against northern nomads.
  • The character embodies concepts of obstruction, defense, and filling.
  • Used metaphorically for emotional or communicative blockage.

FAQ