Translation guide
The English verb "obstruct" covers physical blocking, hindering progress, and interfering with processes. Japanese uses different words depending on what is being obstructed and how.
To physically get in the way so that movement or sight is blocked.
General word for blocking a hole, path, or entrance. Can be used for physical objects or body parts.
A car is blocking the road.
He covered his ears with his hands.
To block light, sound, or a view; often implies cutting off or interrupting.
The curtain is blocking the light.
The building obstructs the view.
To be in the way; often used for people or objects that hinder movement or activity.
That box is in the way.
Sorry, I'm in the way.
To make it difficult for something to proceed or succeed.
To hinder or impede; used for abstract things like progress, plans, or operations.
Bad weather obstructed the rescue efforts.
To obstruct or thwart; often used for preventing something from happening, with a nuance of active opposition.
Also used for hindering activities or plans, not just physical obstruction.
His talking obstructed the meeting.
To interfere with official procedures, often with legal consequences.
To obstruct or interfere, commonly used in legal contexts like obstructing justice or an investigation.
He was arrested for obstructing the investigation.
Destroying evidence constitutes obstruction of justice.
Formal term for hindering or impeding, used in legal or technical contexts.
That act obstructs business operations.
To clog or stop the flow of something.
塞ぐ (ふさぐ) is for physically blocking an opening or path. 遮る (さえぎる) is for cutting off light, sound, or view. 妨げる (さまたげる) is for hindering abstract things like progress or activities.
妨害する (ぼうがいする) implies deliberate interference, often with legal weight. For everyday hindrance, use 邪魔をする or 妨げる.
The fallen tree obstructed the road.
Don't obstruct the entrance.
He was charged with obstructing the police.
Noise obstructs concentration.
彼の野心が成功を阻んだ。
His ambition obstructed his success.
A high wall obstructs entry.
The drain is obstructed.
Something is obstructing the pipe.