阻
阻·obstruct, hinder, block
- On-yomi
- ソ
- Kun-yomi
- はば(む)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 阻止 | そし | prevention, blocking |
| 阻む | はばむ | to block, to stand in the way of |
| 阻害 | そがい | inhibition, impediment |
| 険阻 | けんそ | steep and rugged |
Example sentences
厚い壁が行く手を阻んでいた。
あついかべがゆくてをはばんでいた。
A thick wall blocked the way ahead.
値上げを阻止するため署名を集めた。
ねあげをそしするためしょめいをあつめた。
They collected signatures to block the price increase.
睡眠不足は回復を阻害する。
すいみんぶそくはかいふくをそがいする。
Lack of sleep impedes recovery.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 阻む as そむ — the kun reading is はばむ
- Confusing 阻害 (そがい, impede) with 疎外 (そがい, alienate)
Memory aid
Picture it
The hill radical 阝 on the left: a steep slope piled up in front of you, stopping you from going any further.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 阻 mean?