屏障 píngzhàng barrier
How to remember 屏障: 屏 screen + 障 to separate = barrier.
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How it is used
- A barrier that protects or separates, often natural or figurative - 山脉是天然屏障 (shānmài shì tiānrán píngzhàng) the mountain range is a natural barrier.
- Common collocations: 天然屏障, 安全屏障, 保护屏障, 心理屏障. Emphasizes shielding/defense rather than mere blocking.
- Contrast 障碍 (zhàng'ài, obstacle) which is something in your way you want to remove; a 屏障 is usually something protective you're glad to have.