also: バリアー · バリヤ · バリヤー
barrier; protective wall; bulwark
Physical or metaphorical barrier that blocks passage, protects, or separates.
The new security system forms a strong barrier.
The language barrier makes communication difficult.
Something that impedes progress or action; often used in abstract contexts like social or psychological obstacles.
There were several obstacles to his promotion.
imaginary shield; invincibility charm
Children's language: shouted to claim temporary invincibility in games, or after touching something dirty to 'protect' oneself. Also used humorously by adults.
In tag, they shout 'Barrier!' to avoid being caught.
After touching something dirty, the child said 'Barrier!'
That house seems to have put up a barrier with its tall fence.
She took down her emotional barrier and spoke her true feelings for the first time.
The child ran from the mud shouting "barrier!"
The players broke through the barrier with their last strength and headed for the goal.
壁 is the basic native word for a physical wall, while バリア often carries a protective or defensive nuance, even when metaphorical.
barrier-free; accessible
Most common modern spelling, from English 'barrier'.
Variant with long vowel; less common but seen.
Older or less common spelling variant with long vowel.
Older or less common spelling variant.
Loanword from English 'barrier', adopted into Japanese with katakana spelling. The children's game usage is a semantic extension unique to Japanese.