阻拦 zǔlán to stop
to stop; to obstruct
How to remember 阻拦: 阻 to hinder + 拦 to block = to stop.
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How it is used
- To physically stop or bar someone from proceeding - 保安阻拦他进入 (bǎo'ān zǔlán tā jìnrù) the guard stopped him from entering.
- Concrete and direct: standing in the way, blocking a path or action. Often used with people.
- Milder in intent than 阻挠 (zǔnáo), which implies deliberately sabotaging/frustrating an effort.