Meaning
The kanji 阻 (TRỞ) signifies "to obstruct," "to impede," "to hinder," or "to block." It describes the act of standing in the way of progress or movement, preventing something from happening smoothly or reaching its intended destination. You'll frequently encounter this kanji in contexts involving obstacles, resistance, and prevention, often implying a deliberate or significant barrier that restricts an action or outcome.
Etymologically, 阻 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字, keisei moji). It consists of two main elements: 阜 (こざとへん, kozatohen) on the left, a radical meaning "mound," "hill," or "embankment," and 且 (ショ, ソ) on the right, which acts as the phonetic component, indicating the reading. While 且 originally depicted a stack of objects, it lends its sound to characters and can evoke a sense of something 'piled up.'
When these components combine, the "hill" radical (阜) suggests a physical barrier or an elevated obstruction, much like a natural landform blocking a path. The phonetic 且, with its association of piling up, reinforces the idea of something creating an impediment. Together, the visual shape strongly conveys the concept of an obstacle—like a hill blocking a road or piled-up objects forming a barrier—directly aligning with its meaning of obstruction.
This kanji has 8 strokes and is classified as an N1 level kanji. This means it is considered advanced, typically learned by those studying Japanese at a high proficiency level. 阻 is not assigned to any specific grade level within the Japanese primary school curriculum; instead, it falls into the category of general-use Joyo kanji for secondary education and beyond.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 阻 is ソ (SO). You'll find this reading almost exclusively when 阻 forms part of a compound word, where it often conveys a more formal or technical sense of obstruction or prevention. It commonly appears in words describing actions taken to stop something or the state of being hindered, particularly in official, medical, or academic contexts.
阻止 (soshi) — meaning "obstruction," "hindrance," "prevention," "stopping." This term is widely used to describe actively stopping something, such as preventing a riot, an attack, or a plan from succeeding.
阻害 (sogai) — meaning "obstruction," "hindrance," "impairment," "inhibition." You'll often see this in more abstract or scientific contexts, like describing an enzyme inhibitor, factors impeding economic growth, or anything that obstructs a process or function.
阻却 (sokyaku) — meaning "preclusion," "removal of an obstacle," "justification." This is a legal term, referring to the removal of legal impediments or grounds for illegality, such as self-defense acting as a justification for an otherwise unlawful act.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi (native Japanese reading) for 阻 is はば.む (haba.mu). This reading forms the transitive verb 阻む (はばむ), meaning "to block," "to obstruct," "to hinder," or "to impede." It describes a direct action of preventing movement or progress and is commonly used in everyday language, often appearing with nouns referring to paths, progress, or intentions.
阻む (habamu) — the basic verb meaning "to block," "to obstruct," "to hinder." For example, 敵の進行を阻む (teki no shinkou o habamu - to block the enemy's advance).
阻まれる (habamareru) — the passive form of the verb, meaning "to be blocked," "to be obstructed," "to be hindered." For example, 悪天候に進路を阻まれる (akutenkou ni shinro o habamareru - to have one's path blocked by bad weather).
行く手を阻む (yukute o habamu) — an idiomatic expression meaning "to block one's way" or "to impede one's progress," often used metaphorically for difficulties or challenges one faces.
Common Words & Compounds
To truly grasp the nuances of 阻, it helps to see it in various compound words. Here are several common terms categorized by their usage:
Actions of Obstruction and Prevention
- 阻止 (soshi) — "prevention," "obstruction," "stopping."
Example: 暴動を阻止する (bōdō o soshi suru) — to prevent a riot.
- 阻害 (sogai) — "hindrance," "impairment," "inhibition."
Example: 経済成長を阻害する要因 (keizai seichō o sogai suru yōin) — factors hindering economic growth.
- 阻却 (sokyaku) — "preclusion," "justification" (a legal term for removing illegality).
Example: 違法性阻却事由 (ihōsei sokyaku jiyū) — grounds for legal justification (e.g., self-defense).
- 妨阻 (bōso) — "obstruction," "hindrance." This formal term refers to the act of hindering or impeding.
Describing Obstacles & Barriers
阻絶 (sozetsu) — "complete blockage," "interruption," "isolation." This term often implies a total cutting off or separation, making progress impossible.
通商を阻む (tsūshō o habamu) — "to impede trade."
Example: 関税が自由な通商を阻む (kanzei ga jiyū na tsūshō o habamu) — Tariffs impede free trade.
- 抵抗を阻む (teikō o habamu) — "to block resistance." This phrase can be interpreted as either preventing someone from resisting, or overcoming existing resistance to achieve a goal.
Contexts of Preventing Progress or Flow
- 進路阻害 (shinro sogai) — "obstruction of a course/path."
Example: サッカーで進路阻害のファウル (sakkā de shinro sogai no fauru) — a foul for obstructing a player's path in soccer.
前途を阻む (zento o habamu) — "to block one's future/prospects." This is a common metaphorical expression used when difficulties prevent someone from achieving their ambitions.
行く手を阻む (yukute o habamu) — "to block one's way/path."
Example: 大雪が行く手を阻んだ (ōyuki ga yukute o habanda) — Heavy snow blocked our way.
Example Sentences
彼の研究は資金不足によって阻害された。
Kare no kenkyū wa shikin busoku ni yotte sogai sareta.
His research was hindered by a lack of funds.
暴動を阻止するために、警察が出動した。
Bōdō o soshi suru tame ni, keisatsu ga shutsudō shita.
The police were dispatched to prevent the riot.
大雨が私たちの山登りを阻んだ。
Ōame ga watashitachi no yamanobori o habanda.
Heavy rain hindered our mountain climbing.
困難が彼の前途を阻んだが、彼は諦めなかった。
Konnan ga kare no zento o habanda ga, kare wa akiramenakatta.
Difficulties blocked his path forward, but he did not give up.
新型ウイルスの感染拡大を阻止する必要がある。
Shingata uirusu no kansen kakudai o soshi suru hitsuyō ga aru.
It is necessary to prevent the spread of the new virus infection.
強風が船の航行を阻み、港に留まった。
Kyōfū ga fune no kōkō o habami, minato ni todomatta.
Strong winds hindered the ship's navigation, forcing it to remain in port.
その政策は経済の発展を阻害する可能性がある。
Sono seisaku wa keizai no hatten o sogai suru kanōsei ga aru.
That policy has the potential to hinder economic development.
悪天候によって飛行機の離陸が阻まれた。
Akutenkō ni yotte hikōki no ririku ga habamareta.
The airplane's takeoff was hindered by bad weather.
Memory Tip
To remember 阻, focus on its two components: 阜 (こざとへん), the "hill" or "mound" radical on the left, and 且 (ショ, ソ) on the right, which can be thought of as "furthermore" or "piled up." Picture yourself trying to climb a steep hill (阜), but your path is continually blocked by something further (且)—perhaps more rocks have piled up, or there's yet another obstacle in your way. This vivid image of an ever-increasing barrier on a hill perfectly illustrates the core meaning of "to obstruct" or "to impede." The "hill" sets the scene for a journey, while the "piled up" element clearly signifies the impediment, making smooth progress difficult or impossible.