礙
obstruct, hinder, block, deter
Strokes19
Readings
On'yomi
- ガイ
- ゲ
Kun'yomi
- さまた.げる
Meaning
礙 centers on creating a physical or figurative barrier that stops movement or progress: obstructing, hindering, blocking, or deterring.
Most common words using 礙
Study
Etymology
礙 combines 石 (stone) with 疑, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of something that stops or blocks, as a stone obstacle would.
Meaning mnemonic
A stone 石 on the left and 疑 (which can suggest doubt or hesitation) on the right: imagine a large stone that makes you hesitate, blocking your path.
Reading mnemonic
For ガイ, picture a guy trying to pass but a stone blocks his way: guy -> ガイ, and the stone obstructs him.