礙 (ài) - To hinder & to obstruct

礙Tone 4

ài ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

安

礙 · ài

To hinder;

to obstruct;

to impede;

to be an obstacle;

to stand in the way.

To hinderto obstructto impede

Usage highlights

To obstructObstacleTo be in the wayTo hinder due toVisual obstructionTo impede traffic

Synonyms

  • 阻— to block; to hinder
  • 挡— to block; to obstruct
  • 妨— to hinder; to hamper

Antonyms

  • 助— to help; to assist
  • 便— convenient; facilitating
  • 利— beneficial; advantageous

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • This box is blocking the way (碍事).
  • Don't let pride hinder your progress (碍于面子).
  • The new policy has many obstacles (障碍重重).
  • I don't want to be a bother (我不想碍事).

Collocations

  • To obstruct(阻碍)
  • Obstacle(障碍)
  • To be in the way(碍事)
  • To hinder due to(碍于)
  • Visual obstruction(碍眼)
  • To impede traffic(碍交通)

Idioms

  • To be in someone's way(碍手碍脚)
  • To have no scruples(无所顾忌)
  • To be free from inhibitions(畅行无碍)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese philosophy, the concept of '碍' relates to Buddhist teachings about attachments and obstacles to enlightenment.
  • The character appears in classical texts discussing impediments to moral cultivation and spiritual progress.
  • In modern usage, it often appears in contexts of social etiquette and interpersonal relationships.

FAQ