立たちはだかる

た

ち

は

だ

か

る

Freq.FrequencyTop 50,000

Meanings

1

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

stand in the way; block the path

Literally standing with legs spread out to physically block someone's way; often implies a confrontational stance.

男おとこが道みちの真まん中なかに立たちはだかった。
A man stood in the middle of the road, blocking the way.

2

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

stand in the way

; obstruct

; hinder

Figurative use: to obstruct progress, plans, or someone's path in life; often used for obstacles or opponents.

彼かれの前まえに立たちはだかる壁かべは大おおきかった。
The wall standing in his way was huge.
改かい革かくの前まえに多おおくの困こん難なんが立たちはだかっている。
Many difficulties stand in the way of reform.

Written forms

立たちはだかるUsage96%
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling; the most common written form.
たちはだかるUsage4%
立たち開はだかる
irregular kanji usage
Irregular kanji usage; rarely used and not recommended for learners.

Kanji

立stand up, rise, set up
開open, unfold, unseal

Similar words

妨さまたげる
妨げる is a transitive verb meaning 'to obstruct' or 'to hinder', focusing on the action of causing an obstruction, while 立ちはだかる is intransitive and describes the state of standing in the way, often with a physical or metaphorical presence.
邪じゃ魔まする
邪魔する is a more general and casual verb for 'to disturb' or 'to get in the way', while 立ちはだかる implies a more deliberate, often imposing obstruction.

Etymology

Compound of 立ち (tachi, continuative form of 立つ 'to stand') + はだかる (hadakaru, 'to spread one's legs and stand in the way'). The second element is of uncertain origin, but the overall meaning is 'to stand blocking the way'.