Translation guide
How to express physically obstructing a path or passage in Japanese, from literal blocking to figurative obstruction.
To stand in or place something in a way that prevents passage.
The most common and natural way to say 'block the way'. Used for people, vehicles, or objects obstructing a road or path.
A car is blocking the way.
Sorry, I'm blocking the way.
More formal, often used in legal or official contexts. Literally 'obstruct passage'.
Illegal parking blocked the passage.
The verb 'to block' or 'to obstruct'. Can be used with various objects like 道 (road), 入口 (entrance), etc.
Luggage is blocking the entrance.
To stand in the way, often with a nuance of defiance or challenge. More dramatic.
He stood blocking my way.
To hinder or prevent someone from achieving something.
To interfere, disturb, or get in the way. Very common for both physical and figurative obstruction.
I blocked his plans.
Don't block my work.
To obstruct, interfere, or sabotage. Stronger and more deliberate than 邪魔.
He obstructed the investigation.
Literally 'block the way ahead', used figuratively for obstacles in one's path.
道をふさぐ is specifically for physically blocking a path. 邪魔をする can be used for both physical obstruction and interfering with someone's activities. If you're blocking someone's view, use 視界を遮る (しかいをさえぎる).
That sign is blocking the view.
Difficulties blocked the way.