阻碍 zǔ’ài to obstruct
to obstruct; to hinder; to block; obstruction; hindrance
How to remember 阻碍: 阻 to hinder + 碍 to block = to obstruct.
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How it is used
- To hinder/obstruct, or an obstacle - 阻碍发展 (zǔ'ài fāzhǎn) to impede development, 交通阻碍 (jiāotōng zǔ'ài) traffic obstruction.
- Emphasizes slowing down/impeding progress over time, more abstract than the head-on 阻挡 (zǔdǎng).
- Common for what holds back growth, reform, or understanding.