Translation guide
The English word "block" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a solid piece, an obstruction, a city area, and the verb meaning to obstruct.
Referring to a cube-shaped or rectangular solid object, often made of wood, stone, or other material.
Loanword from English, widely used for toy blocks, building blocks, and similar solid pieces.
The child is playing with blocks.
Means a lump, mass, or chunk. Can be used for a solid piece of material, but is more general.
a block of wood
Specifically a squared timber or rectangular piece of wood used in construction.
Cut a block of wood.
Referring to a physical or metaphorical barrier that stops progress or flow.
General term for an obstacle or obstruction, both physical and abstract.
There is a block on the road.
Refers to a hindrance or impediment, often used in abstract contexts.
Means blockage or obstruction, often used in medical or technical contexts (e.g., intestinal blockage).
Referring to a rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets, or the distance along one side of such an area.
Formal term for a city block as a unit of area. Used in addresses and urban planning.
There is a park in this block.
Also used for city blocks in casual contexts, especially when giving directions.
Means one block or one section of land, often used in real estate.
a block of land
The verb meaning to block something, such as a path, view, or action.
General verb for blocking a physical opening, path, or entrance.
He blocked the entrance.
To block or intercept something like light, sound, or a view.
To hinder or obstruct progress or an activity, often used abstractly.
Loanword used in sports (e.g., blocking in volleyball) or digital contexts (blocking a user).
I blocked him (on social media).
The English word "block" has many unrelated meanings. Always consider the context before choosing a Japanese word. For example, "writer's block" is not translated with any of these words; it is usually expressed as スランプ (slump) or 行き詰まり (deadlock).
それは進歩の妨げだ。
That is a block to progress.
腸閉塞
intestinal block
次のブロックを右に曲がってください。
Turn right at the next block.
その建物が景色を遮っている。
That building is blocking the view.
The noise blocked my studying.