障 (zhàng) - barrier & obstacle

障Tone 4

zhàng ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

丈志

障 · zhàng

barrier;

obstacle;

to hinder;

to block;

also refers to protective screens or veils.

barrierobstacleto hinder

Usage highlights

barrierprotective screensound barriertrade barrierpsychological barriernatural barrier

Synonyms

  • 碍— hinder; obstruct
  • 阻— block; impede
  • 蔽— cover; shield

Antonyms

  • 通— unobstructed; open
  • 畅— smooth; unimpeded
  • 达— reach; achieve

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The Great Wall served as a defensive barrier (屏障).
  • Language can be a communication barrier (语言障碍).
  • They installed soundproof barriers (隔音障) along the highway.
  • This creates an invisible obstacle (无形障碍) to progress.

Collocations

  • barrier(障碍)
  • protective screen(屏障)
  • sound barrier(声障)
  • trade barrier(贸易障碍)
  • psychological barrier(心理障碍)
  • natural barrier(天然屏障)

Idioms

  • Eyes covered by a leaf — self-deception(一叶障目)
  • Creating illusions to deceive(故布疑障)
  • Removing obstacles and clearing the way(排障开路)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to hills or mounds that obstruct the view, later extended to mean any kind of barrier or obstacle.
  • In Buddhist contexts, used to refer to hindrances to enlightenment or spiritual progress (业障).
  • In traditional architecture, 'screen walls' (照壁) were used as protective barriers against negative energy.

FAQ